PRESS RELEASE Widespread concern about the region’s status as an industrial hub

Frankfurt – Currently, two-thirds of the voting-age population are very or extremely concerned about the future of Germany as an industrial hub in light of rising energy and electricity costs. This was the finding of a representative survey conducted by “Netzwerk Zukunft der Industrie e.V.,” which supports the “Zukunft der Industrie” alliance.

“The clear and large majority of respondents is aware of the critical situation facing industry. Nearly nine out of ten respondents are willing to conserve energy to secure the energy supply for industrial companies and thus preserve jobs,” said the association’s chairman, Wolfgang Lemb, who is also the executive board member responsible for industrial policy at IG Metall. For most respondents, high energy prices pose the greatest threat to German industry. However, the shortage of skilled workers, an escalation of the war in Ukraine, and inflation are also causing concern.

In the eastern part of the country, the perception that Germany’s status as a business location is at risk is significantly more prevalent (78 percent) than in western Germany (64 percent). Furthermore, concerns in this regard appear to increase with the age of the respondents. While 58 percent of 18- to 39-year-olds express great concern, the figure rises to 75 percent among older respondents aged 65 and older.

Lemb: “To secure the future of German industry and ensure the success of the transformation, we must all work together. This applies above all to transformation efforts in the regions. But swift action is also needed to address the shortage of skilled workers. We must improve career guidance in general education schools.” 79 percent of respondents rate this measure as extremely or very important. 62 percent consider reducing the school dropout rate to be particularly relevant.

The industry survey was conducted in three waves—from October 11 to 13, November 2 to 8, and November 22 to 23, 2022—by the polling firm Kantar Public using a representative random sample of 1,014 eligible voters.

The Alliance for the Future of Industry comprises 17 partners from labor unions, business and employer associations, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).

Learn more about the survey results at buendnis-zukunft-der-industrie