Berlin – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel, IG Metall Chairman Detlef Wetzel, and President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) Ulrich Grillo called today at a joint press conference for the formation of an alliance called “Future of Industry.” The goal of this alliance is to reach concrete agreements and identify priority measures through a tripartite partnership between policymakers, business associations, and labor unions in order to strengthen Germany’s industrial competitiveness. At the same time, a “Future of Industry” foundation is to be established to support the alliance and provide scientific guidance. In the run-up to the press conference, additional partners from the business community and labor unions had already been invited to join the alliance.
Federal Minister Gabriel: “Our industrial sector faces immense challenges that will profoundly transform the entire economy. These include, for example, the digitalization of the economy, the looming shortage of skilled workers, and the challenges involved in implementing the energy transition. But the relatively low level of investment in Germany and the sometimes limited acceptance of industry and its projects also pose enormous challenges for our industrial base. We see this, among other things, in the resistance to (infrastructure) projects that industry urgently needs. I am firmly convinced that Germany needs concerted action by policymakers, business associations, and labor unions to ensure it remains a successful industrial nation in the 21st century. This is where our alliance comes in: It aims to address the upcoming challenges systematically and cooperatively and translate them into binding action strategies.”
IG Metall Chairman Detlef Wetzel: “Just 20 years ago, industrial production and the associated industrial services in Germany were considered a thing of the past. Today, the picture is completely different. It is precisely Germany’s commitment to the so-called ‘old economy’ that has provided the country with stability. However, securing a skilled workforce, digitalization, the energy transition, and the investment backlog present us with new challenges. This is a matter of vital importance for the country: How do we strengthen industry to secure Germany’s future and prosperity? This is a societal task that requires strong allies. It is not only a matter of finding the necessary solutions for a knowledge-based and highly innovative industry, but also of putting them into practice: Together with companies, the labor unions shape employment and good working conditions through social partnership as the foundation for a strong industry. The government must ensure stable economic and industrial policy frameworks. And companies must invest in Germany as an industrial hub and in the training of their employees. The economic success and future viability of industrial production and industrial services are based on the outstanding performance of workers, their creativity, their commitment, and their innovative spirit.”
BDI President Ulrich Grillo: “Industry pulled Germany out of the financial and economic crisis. In 2013, gross value added rose by 29 percent compared to the crisis year of 2009, increasing by around 130 billion euros to just over 560 billion euros. Meanwhile, industry’s share of Germany’s economic output rose from 20 to 22 percent. We must not focus solely on our past successes. The—still—high competitiveness of our industry, the strong global positioning of our companies, and our deeply diversified value chains are our strengths. But they are at stake if Germany does not act soon. Creating the right climate for investment and innovation—both in terms of economic policy and mindset—is the task that politics and business must tackle together.”
The inaugural meeting of a High-Level Group, consisting of the founding members and other partners, is scheduled for early 2015. Afterward, the alliance is set to begin its work and, through various working groups, develop a coherent agenda for a medium- and long-term vision for the future of industry in Germany.
