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In a recent survey conducted by the German Institute for Asset Building and Retirement Provision (Diva), it was revealed that Germans are prioritizing investments that support climate-neutral, technologically advanced, and infrastructure-enhancing projects. The survey, however, did not specify the exact criteria used to define sustainability in the context of investment decisions.
Michael Heuser, scientific director of Diva, suggests that the financial sector can make its desired political contribution through investments with a sustainability focus that offer both security and financial returns. Heusser emphasizes that security and sustainability are not mutually exclusive in investment decisions.
The survey results confirm the traditionally conservative investment behavior of Germans. Security was ranked as the most important goal for German investors, with 43 percent of respondents prioritizing it. Profitability followed closely, with 27 percent of respondents ranking it as the most relevant. Liquidity was the third most important goal, with 18 percent of respondents ranking it as the most relevant.
Interestingly, more than half (52.8 percent) of the survey respondents consider sustainability important in their investments. Women place slightly more emphasis on security in investment decisions compared to men, while men tend to focus more on profitability. The survey does not provide details on the demographics of the respondents, such as age or income.
Key prioritized criteria include technological innovation, infrastructure development, climate action and sustainability, research and development (R&D), and private-public collaboration. Investments in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing aim to strengthen Germany's industrial leadership and digital transformation. Significant government investment targets transport, digital networks, housing, hospitals, and education infrastructure, supporting long-term growth and societal needs.
Climate-neutral energy and climate-related projects are prioritized, including major funds explicitly designated for climate neutrality and transformation. Corporations dedicate a substantial share of investments to R&D to sustain competitiveness and technological leadership. The "Made for Germany" initiative exemplifies a partnership between government and private sector, mobilizing over €631 billion by 2028 to revitalize the economy and promote sustainable growth.
Compared to other factors, sustainability and climate goals are among the central pillars, closely linked with digitization and innovation ambitions. While pure financial return or short-term profits were not highlighted explicitly in recent major initiatives, efforts strongly emphasize long-term value creation by integrating sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and technological advancement.
Michael Heuser comments on the survey results, stating that investment options with a sustainability focus should provide both security and financial returns. The survey did not provide information on how the respondents' investment decisions have changed over time or how they compare to the general population of German investors.
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- Michael Heuser advocates for investments in sustainability, suggesting that they can offer both security and financial returns, aligning with the financial sector's desire to contribute to policy preferences.
- The survey reveals that although sustainability is not the primary objective for most German investors, over half (52.8%) consider it important in their investment decisions, suggesting a growing interest in this area.
- In the context of investment decisions, Heuser emphasizes that security and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and can be achieved by focusing on sectors such as environmental science, renewable energy, and climate-related projects, which are now prioritized in Germany's long-term growth initiatives.
