Publications
IfM Bonn publishes its research findings primarily in its publication series: study results are published as "IfM-Materials" - or in condensed form as a "Denkpapier" (summary). Statistical analyses and results appear in the series "Daten und Fakten". Discussion and technical papers from all research areas are published as "Working Papers".
In addition, until 2012 selected articles were published in the series "Schriften zur Mittelstandsforschung" (Gabler Verlag). Under the "External Publications" tab, you find numerous essays by IfM researchers that have appeared in (peer-reviewed) specialist journals and external publication series.
544 Results
IfM-Materialien | 2022 The societal value creation of German Mittelstand
This study explores the societal impact of Mittelstand companies and how it is achieved in a process of collaborative societal value creation. Regional communities perceive different aspects of societal impact, depending on local problems.
External publication | 2022 Protection against discrimination and the promotion of diversity in the workplace
This study analyses the implementation of diversity and antisdiscrimination measures in companies, administrations and third sector organisations 15 years after introduction of the AGG and the establishment of the „Charta der Vielfalt.
Facts and figures | 2022 The role of family businesses and female-led family business in the economy
The IfM Bonn has been estimating the number of owner-managed enterprises (family busi-nesses) and the number of female-led family businesses repeatedly since 2001.
Chartbooks | 2022 Challenges for the manufacturing sector in Germany industry and reactions of the Mittelstand
The shortage of skilled workers represents the greatest challenge for medium-sized companies in the manufacturing sector, followed by challenges such as digitization, competitive pressure and the ability to innovate.
External publication | 2022 Business Successions in Germany. Current estimates of the IfM Bonn
Due to the lack of available official statistics, the Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn has been regularly estimating the number of family businesses in Germany that are due for succession in the next five years for almost 30 years using a specially developed estimation procedure.
IfM-Materialien | 2022 Digitisation processes of SMEs in the manufacturing sector – follow-up survey
Based on a follow-up survey, this study examines the level of digitalisation among manufacturing companies since 2016. Our results show that the importance of digitalisation has increased significantly over the past five years.
Policy Brief "Entrepreneurship in Focus" | 2022 Business Dynamics in the Netherlands 2020: The First Phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic
During the large economic contraction in the Netherlands caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the number of bankruptcies surprisingly fell.
IfM-Materialien | 2022 Attitudes and behavior of Mittelstand companies facing climate change
Regardless of firm size, many companies are committed to fight against climate change because of their own values. However, only a few companies associate climate change with additional market opportunities. Small companies in particular link the combat against climate change with additional cost burden.
External publication | 2022 Ausländische Staatsangehörige als Gründer in NRW zwischen 2003 und 2018
The report shows that start-ups founded by immigrants have contributed significantly to NRW's economy between 2003 and 2018.
External publication | 2022 Reduce bureaucracy
Even if policymakers use numerous instruments to reduce bureaucracy, many Mittelstand companies feel that the bureaucratic regulations – but especially the regulations for their implementation–- are too high.
External publication | 2022 Private Equity in the Mittelstand - Analysis of the Development of Private Equity Financed Companies
The aim of the study is to analyze the development of equity-financed companies in comparision to companies without private equity financing. Overall, the equity-financed companies developed very positively and outperformed the randomly selected peer group of companies without equity financing.
Facts and figures | 2022 Business successions in Germany 2022 to 2026
Due to missing data from official statistics, IfM Bonn has been estimating (since the mid-1990s) the number of enterprises that are about to be transferred to new owners. The present estimation concludes that from 2022 to 2026, about 190,000 companies are due to be handed over.
Working Papers | 2021 In the eye of the beholder? Why we need to differentiate between SMEs and Mittelstand
A common fallacy is that SMEs is the translation for Mittelstand companies. Until today, there is no common, widely accepted and consistently applied understanding of what constitutes the Mittelstand.
IfM-Materialien | 2021 Business resilience: Influencing factors in the corona pandemic
This study develops a resilience model for companies based on a literature review. Based on this, we identify influencing factors and mechanisms relevant to coping with the Corona pandemic using case studies.
Working Papers | 2021 Income loss among the self-employed: implications for individual wellbeing and pandemic policy measures
Due to the pandemic-induced economic crisis, self-employed individuals are currently suering considerable income losses. The self-employed and the members in their households usually form an economic unit.
Policy Brief "Entrepreneurship in Focus" | 2021 Why there are fewer business successions than generally expected
In the public discussion on business succession, it is generally assumed that the number of companies is larger than the number of companies actually affected by the succession question.
IfM-Background-Paper | 2021 Commercial start-ups and company closures in the first half of 2021 - The effects of the pandemic continue to weaken
The first half of 2021 was still characterized by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the lockdowns have hardly had any impact on the scope of start-up activities
Working Papers | 2021 Mittelstand policy after the pandemic – for a sustainable future
Covid 19, digitalisation, Green Deal – the Mittelstand will face great challenges in the coming years in addition to their sector and size-specific tasks.
Facts and figures | 2021 Business size statistics 2019: Effects of the inclusion of persons in marginally employment in the business register on the SME key figures
The Federal Statistical Office has made methodological adjustments to the statistical business register that affect the SME share of the business stock, turnover and employment.
External publication | 2021 The CRADLE teaching methodology: deve-loping foreign language and entrepreneurial skills in primary school pupils
In recent years, a consensus has grown across the European Union that the acquisition of transversal skills—including foreign language and entrepreneurial skills—is key to the success of learners in their personal and professional life.