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Two recent rankings show that Germany is falling behind in terms of innovation and digitalisation.
In the Global Innovation Index 2025, Germany has slipped to 14th place Link (translate the page in your browser) – and is thus out of the top 10 Link. In the EU Digitalisation Index DESI, Germany ranks only 14th, below the EU average.
The sources (WIPO, Bitkom) confirm the picture: while we remain strong in industry, we are struggling with digital transformation.
In my experience, it often fails because of culture. In a working world that often focuses on thoroughness and process optimisation, Germany finds it difficult to embrace rapid, agile change. Germany must see digitalisation as more than just new tools or certificates. It is about a genuine cultural change in which the country and its people have the confidence to break new ground.
The great opportunity for Germany lies in bringing together artificial intelligence, agility and cultural change. What do you think: what are we lacking most in order to catch up – technology, a new type of leadership or simply the courage to change?
