Companies pool together for the "Made in Germany" initiative, aiming to strengthen Germany's status as a dominant economic force in the global marketplace.
The "Made for Germany" initiative, a cross-industry alliance of 61 leading German and international companies, was officially launched in July 2025 with the aim of shaping a future-proof German economy through large-scale investment and strengthened collaboration with the government [1][2][5].
The members of this alliance have pledged a total of €631 billion (~US$733 billion) in Germany’s economic growth by 2028, covering both planned and new capital expenditures (capex), research and development (R&D), and contributions from international investors. A significant proportion of this investment will be allocated to new investments to reverse Germany’s recent substantial investment outflows [1][2][4].
The primary purpose of the initiative is to create a new era of strengthened dialogue between business and government to sustainably improve Germany’s investment climate and economic policies [1][2][3]. The alliance focuses on key challenges such as digitization, innovation, infrastructure, sustainability, and skilled labor.
In the realm of digitization and innovation, the initiative aims to enhance opportunities particularly in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to foster competitiveness and modernization [2]. Modernizing and expanding infrastructure critical for economic growth is another priority. The initiative also places a strong emphasis on supporting climate-friendly and sustainable economic practices, as well as addressing workforce challenges to meet future economic demands [1][2][3].
The initiative positions itself as a key interlocutor for the German government, helping to define priorities, develop targeted measures, and implement reforms efficiently [1][3]. The alliance includes a wide range of major companies such as Deutsche Bank, Siemens, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, SAP, RWE, Rheinmetall, and international investors including Nvidia, Blackrock, Blackstone, KKR, and Advent, reflecting broad industry and international confidence [5].
The initiative supports the German government's reform and investment programs as essential steps toward a future-oriented economic policy [1][3]. The official presentation of "Made for Germany" took place at the Federal Chancellery, attended by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche [4].
Mathias Döpfner, one of the leaders of the initiative, encourages everyone (politics, business, and society) to turn the initiative's momentum into real action. Christian Sewing, another leader, asserts that Germany has the potential to reclaim a leading economic role, particularly in digitalization and artificial intelligence. Roland Busch states that Germany needs a new operating system focused on growth, technology, and competitiveness [2]. Alexander Geiser calls for bold leadership and decisive action to send a clear signal of innovation and progress, and highlights the opportunity for Germany to strengthen its long-term competitiveness and become a target destination for investment [2].
The commitments made as part of the "Made for Germany" initiative are just the beginning, according to Sewing. He urges government and business to work together to ensure every political decision supports growth and strengthens competitiveness. Geiser emphasizes the need for a new partnership between government and business to tackle societal challenges [2].
For interested parties, contact information for the initiative's website, Siemens, Axel Springer, and FGS Global is provided. The "Made for Germany" initiative represents a massive, coordinated private-sector investment and partnership effort aiming to restore growth momentum in Germany by focusing on innovation, infrastructure, sustainable development, and skilled labor, while fostering stronger cooperation with policymakers for effective economic transformation [1][2][5].
[1] Made for Germany Initiative Official Website [2] BBC News: Germany launches Made for Germany initiative [3] Reuters: Germany's Made for Germany initiative aims to boost growth [4] Deutsche Welle: Made for Germany: Business leaders urge action on economic reform [5] Bloomberg: German Business Leaders Launch 'Made for Germany' Initiative
- The "Made for Germany" initiative, led by prominent figures like Mathias Döpfner, Christian Sewing, and Roland Busch, focuses on investing a significant portion of €631 billion towards reversing Germany's recent substantial investment outflows, particularly in areas like digitization, innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable practices.
- The alliance, comprising of leading businesses such as Deutsche Bank, Siemens, and international investors including Nvidia and Blackrock, aims to establish a new era of strengthened dialogue with the German government, with the shared goal of improving investment climate, economic policies, and fostering competitiveness in Germany's business landscape.
