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This chapter explores the innovation challenges and opportunities of German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which remain central to the country’s economic success despite rising costs, skill shortages, and growing global competition. While SMEs excel through customer proximity and flexibility, limited financial and human resources restrict their capacity for large-scale innovation. To address these barriers, the chapter proposes a tailored open innovation approach supported by a customized crowdsourcing platform designed for German SMEs. By aligning with the specific structural and cultural characteristics of German SMEs, this platform offers a practical framework for enhancing innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the context of digital transformation.

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German Small and Medium Enterprises: Harnessing Open Innovation and Crowdsourcing to Sustain Growth

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Marc Vathauer

摘要

This chapter explores the innovation challenges and opportunities of German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which remain central to the country’s economic success despite rising costs, skill shortages, and growing global competition. While SMEs excel through customer proximity and flexibility, limited financial and human resources restrict their capacity for large-scale innovation. To address these barriers, the chapter proposes a tailored open innovation approach supported by a customized crowdsourcing platform designed for German SMEs. By aligning with the specific structural and cultural characteristics of German SMEs, this platform offers a practical framework for enhancing innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the context of digital transformation.