The BDI Climate Congress is about the future of industrial society. Industry President Russwurm believes one thing in particular is crucial.
German industry wants more leeway from politicians for business decisions. If companies are to survive in international competition and at the same time make the transition to more climate protection, then what is needed is “enabling, acceleration, openness to technology, opportunity orientation for innovation and finally a recognition of entrepreneurial freedom, responsibility and creativity,” said BDI President Siegfried Russwurm in Berlin. “We’ll think of something if we’re allowed to.”
The head of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) warned the industry at the climate congress against neglecting competitiveness when switching to a more climate-friendly economy. The companies wanted to achieve climate neutrality – but that would only work if they were healthy and globally competitive. The industry is currently being hindered by complex regulations and strong technological restrictions.
“We have to become climate neutral and remain competitive. There is simply too much at stake,” emphasized Russwurm. However, companies are currently suffering from structural locational weaknesses. There are escalating costs, bureaucracy, detailed regulation and an enormous backlog of modernization in infrastructure and digital administration. Combined with the shortage of skilled workers, this is a dangerous mix. Achieving climate neutrality by relocating industries cannot be a solution, warned Russwurm.
Politicians must take bold countermeasures – also because other industrialized nations such as China and the USA are not taking the same path. “The rest of the world is not following us,” emphasized the industry president. “Not with comparable ambition, not on a comparable path and not with comparable deadlines.”
Source: Stern
