The economic situation for many companies in the DACH region remains tense. According to a recent study by the ERA Group in cooperation with the German Association for Materials Management; Purchasing and Logistics (BME); almost every second company is under severe pressure; in some cases threatening its very existence. High energy costs; excessive bureaucracy and volatile markets in particular are blocking investment and hampering competitiveness. The medium-term outlook gives cause for hope: a majority expects an economic recovery from 2026 onwards.
Stabilisation instead of transformation
"The results are as sobering as they are indicative;" says Matthias Droste; Country Manager DACH at ERA Group. "Cost pressures and political uncertainty are forcing companies to take action – at the same time; new opportunities are emerging for digitalisation; automation and alternative business models." However; the initial focus is on operational stabilisation; increasing efficiency and securing liquidity. Sustainability and strategic human resources development are being put on hold; at least temporarily.
Cost reduction; automation; digital processes
According to the study; the most important levers for crisis management are cost optimisation; process digitalisation and strategic diversification. While personnel measures play a subordinate role; purchasing is gaining in importance: supply chains are to be secured; purchase prices reduced and new partnerships established. Digital tools and automation are increasingly being used. "In retrospect; the crisis could prove to be a boost for digitalisation;" says Droste.
Clear expectations of politicians
The demands that companies are making of politicians are clear: reducing bureaucracy; reliable energy prices and predictable framework conditions are at the top of the list. Financial support; on the other hand; is hardly mentioned – the focus is on the desire for entrepreneurial freedom in a stable environment.
Cautious optimism with a view to 2026
Despite the current strain; cautious optimism prevails in many industries. The majority of the companies surveyed expect an economic recovery from 2026 onwards. For Matthias Droste; this is an important signal: "The crisis is forcing companies to question their structures and break new ground. With the right political framework; this can give rise to a new resilience that will ensure long-term competitiveness."
BME Chief Executive Dr Lars Kleeberg commented on the study results: "The survey clearly highlights the challenges currently facing the German economy and; consequently; our community. The results; but also the cautious optimism for the coming year; are confirmed by the current HCOB Purchasing Managers' Index Germany (EMI) compiled with the BME; which also measured positive business expectations among purchasing managers. It is now up to politicians to create reliable framework conditions; as deregulation; stable energy prices and predictability are essential prerequisites for economic recovery."
