Sixty-one businesses instigate "Made in Germany" campaign, intending to bolster Germany's position as a dominant player in the global economy.
The **Made for Germany** initiative, launched by 61 leading companies and investors, is a significant effort to drive innovation, employment, and competitiveness in Germany. The members have jointly committed to investing approximately **631 billion euros (~733 billion USD)** by 2028, aimed at boosting Germany’s economic growth and strengthening its global economic position[1][2][5].
The initiative represents a diverse set of industries working together to address key challenges in digitization, innovation, infrastructure, sustainability, and availability of skilled labor, with strong collaboration between companies and the government[2]. Key features and flagship projects within this initiative include:
- Broad sector involvement: The initiative brings together companies from Germany and around the world, united in their commitment to invest in the country[1]. - Flagship projects and investments: The initiative combines both well-established and new projects that create jobs, promote innovation, and advance Germany’s competitive edge. This includes significant capital expenditures, R&D spending, and contributions from international investors[1][5].
One example of a flagship project is the **Lionheart lithium project** by Vulcan Energy, which has secured $186 million in grants from the German federal government and states to develop zero-carbon lithium extraction and battery-grade lithium hydroxide processing plants, supporting Germany’s ambitions in sustainable battery production and European energy independence[4].
The initiative also aims to bolster dialogue between businesses and policymakers to create a favorable investment climate and effectively implement reforms that address future economic challenges[2]. Christian Sewing, a representative of the initiative, emphasizes the need for joint action between government and business to tackle economic challenges[3]. Mathias Döpfner calls for action to convert the initiative’s momentum into real change, while Alexander Geiser calls for bold leadership and decisive action to send a clear signal of innovation and progress[3].
The official presentation of the initiative took place at the Federal Chancellery, with the German government welcoming the initiative[2]. The initiative is aimed at sustainably enhancing Germany's investment climate and shaping a future-proof German economy against geopolitical and economic challenges[2]. The initiative invites other companies and investors to join and help strengthen and future-proof Germany as a business location[2].
Contact information for the initiators, including Frank Hartmann, Richard Speich, Peter Huth, and Dirk von Manikowsky, is provided for interested parties[2]. It is worth noting that a significant proportion of the investments will be allocated to new investments[1]. The initiative cites sources from the Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW Köln) and Deutsche Bundesbank for 2024[6].
In conclusion, the **Made for Germany** initiative presents a significant opportunity for Germany to strengthen its long-term competitiveness and become a top investment destination[3]. The initiative's focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic competitiveness, supported by strong public-private collaboration, could secure Germany’s future as a global economic powerhouse[1][2][4].
[1] Made for Germany Initiative (2021). Retrieved from https://www.made-for-germany.de/ [2] Made for Germany Initiative (2021). Retrieved from https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-de/aktuelles/initiative-made-for-germany-61-fuehrungsunternehmen-und-investoren-1009464 [3] Handelsblatt (2021). Retrieved from https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/deutschland/initiative-made-for-germany-das-grosse-wirtschaftsprojekt-der-deutschen-unternehmen-10438986 [4] Vulcan Energy (2021). Retrieved from https://www.vulcanenergy.com/news/vulcan-energy-secures-186-million-in-grants-for-zero-carbon-lithium-extraction-and-battery-grade-lithium-hydroxide-processing-plants/ [5] IW Köln (2021). Retrieved from https://www.iwkoeln.de/de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2021/05/05-initiative-made-for-germany-61-unternehmen-und-investoren-verpflichten-sich-zu-631-milliarden-euro-investitionen-bis-2028/ [6] Deutsche Bundesbank (2021). Retrieved from https://www.bundesbank.de/reden/Reden/2021/2021-05-13-12-15-00-00.html
The Made for Germany initiative, with its $631 billion euros (~733 billion USD) investment commitment, involves a diverse range of industries, including finance and business, that intend to boost Germany's economic growth and strengthen its global economic position. The collaboration between companies, government, and international investors in this initiative will work on flagship projects in areas such as digitization, innovation, sustainable battery production, and employment, aiming to shape a future-proof German economy and positioning it as a top investment destination.
