IHK President's bold claim: GDR Professional Qualification now equivalent to modern high school certificate
In the Hot Seat: Reflections on Stepping up as IHK President Amid Financial Challenges
Navigating economically turbulent waters calls for a sturdy vessel - and that's precisely what an entrepreneur like me brings to the table. With years of experience under my belt, I took on the challenge of becoming IHK President, inspired to make a difference for others, much like the island of Usedom where I hail from. Filling the big shoes left by Wolfgang Blank was no small feat, but I was ready to bring my wealth of economic experience to the position if elected.
Politics and economics often dance to different tunes, but I believe that constructive conversation and consensus-building are the cornerstones of our coexistence. While political interests may diverge at times, it's essential that the economy has a voice - one that politicians are aware of and act upon. The economy's crown jewels are the companies that generate revenue, serving as the basis for sensible and productive public spending.
The recent economic climate has sent out some alarming signals. Job cuts and company closures are becoming all too common, and entrepreneurs and employees worry about their future. Striking a positive note might be the remedy - and reliable politics can play a significant role in fostering that sentiment. By crafting laws, regulations, and ordinances that enable long-term planning, much like companies aim to do, politics can offer a sense of stability and certainty.
The coalition agreement currently taking shape in Berlin hints at the handwriting of the economy and gives me hope. However, the concern persists that too much substance has been lost in recent years. The tourism industry, for instance, has suffered due to the retirement of the baby boomer generation - leaving few successors to carry on the legacy ofFields like gastronomy, healthcare, agriculture, and industry are grappling with the same issue.
The scarcity of successors is not exclusive to Usedom - it's a challenge that the country as a whole faces. One potential reason might be a dwindling performance drive among young people - a societal issue that we've brought on ourselves. During the GDR days, children were encouraged to better themselves and strive for greatness. Today's youngsters have grown up in a comfort zone, often preferring the stability of a government job over the thrill of entrepreneurial ventures.
Perhaps the key lies in making entrepreneurship appear "sexy" once more. Businesses can contribute by offering training opportunities and showcasing the importance and excitement of their industry. Entrepreneurs have been doing their part by recognizing the need for skilled labor and catering to it. However, the number of young people who can be trained remains limited - making it crucial to elevate the status of vocational training in schools.
POS graduates from the GDR are often compared to today's Abitur holders in terms of academic level. Erring on the side of harshness, one could argue that the POS diploma of yesteryear is numerically equivalent to the Abitur of today.
Germany faces its own hurdles, yet it's clear that changes at home are not enough. International frameworks like the EU Supply Chain Act and US President Donald Trump's trade policies aren't making things any easier. Addressing the bureaucratic jungle that has grown in Europe is a massive and time-consuming task. However, the economy must once again demonstrate its worth - using its successful history as a guarantee of a strong national economy.
entrepreneurs cannot be left wholly at the mercy of bureaucrats or European regulations. Entrepreneurs are forward-thinking and adaptable, aiming to run businesses in an environmentally friendly and socially just manner. Considerable bureaucratic demands on businesses can be placed in the hands of entrepreneurs - fostering self-responsibility and freeing up resources for continued growth and innovation.
In closing, my expectations for Wolfgang Blank, my predecessor as IHK president, who is now minister of economy in Schwerin, are high. I expect him to bring his wealth of experience as IHK president and entrepreneur into his new role, ensuring that action is taken swiftly to address current problems and concerns. Dialogue and collaboration between the economy and politics are crucial in finding tangible solutions to the challenges we face.
The region I now preside over as IHK president is secluded, but there's potential for growth. Infrastructure plays a crucial role in strengthening the economy, yet it's essential to start with the people. Basic needs, such as childcare, modern schools, hospitals, and care facilities, must be met to draw and retain a population that appreciates the region's natural beauty.
While improving the B96 road is important, addressing traffic congestion and emissions in the nearby villages is a pressing concern. Bypasses and efficient traffic flow will offer both environmental and economic benefits. As with expanding the internet, taking prompt action to address infrastructure issues remains a priority.
With four years ahead as IHK president, my goal is to maintain the IHK as a modern, nimble, and flexible body. With the help and support of its members, the IHK must remain focused on serving the interests of entrepreneurs - not as bureaucracy, but as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and growth.
Lately, discussions about merging the three chambers in MV have gained traction. While a headline might have suggested that the idea is still viable for the future, in-depth dialogue with entrepreneurs in the region is crucial to determine their preferences and needs. The IHK will act as a facilitator, exploring potential work process collaborations or other solutions that best serve the interests of its members.
[1] Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship: https://www.sce.ch/en/about-us/[2] German Startups Group: https://www.startups.de/[3] Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft (BVMW): https://www.bvmw.de/[4] German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: https://www.bmwi.de/
Business politics and general news intertwine heavily, as constructive conversations and consensus-building are vital in shaping the economy's voice that politicians must acknowledge and act upon. To foster confidence and stability in the economy, it's crucial for policies to enable long-term planning, allowing entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.
Entrepreneurs, as innovative and adaptable agents in the economy, should not be overwhelmed by bureaucratic demands but rather be given the freedom to operate in an environmentally friendly and socially just manner. By empowering entrepreneurs, bureaucratic burdens can be minimized, freeing up resources for continued growth and innovation.
