We asked 160 executives across various industries and countries about the fields and goals in which their companies are supposed to grow, and what the key levers and success factors are. You can find the detailed results in the study report available for download above. Here are some insights into their responses:
3/4 of the top executives we surveyed see significant growth potential, both in the core business and in new business. While German companies primarily want to grow in other EU countries, US companies are targeting the domestic market.
| Gain market share | Strengthen innovational strength | Gain technological advantage |
In Germany, "Strengthen innovational strength" even ranks first (35%).
In the USA, growth strategies are an integral part of board meetings in 2/3 of companies (67%) - in Germany in less than a third (32%). Other growth topics are also underrepresented here.
72% of companies state that they lack the necessary skills for successful growth. Nevertheless, less than one-fifth name the development of these skills as an important growth goal.
| Government innovation support | A more stable economic situation | Easier access to international markets |
Across countries, government innovation support (35%), a more stable economic situation (30%), and easier access to international markets (26%) are seen as the conditions with the strongest growth-promoting effect. In Germany, "reduction of bureaucracy" ranks third with 28% – in the USA, it is only an issue for 3%.
US companies incentivize C-level management for growth goals significantly more often than European or German companies.
