If you are traveling in non-industrialised countries or emerging economies, often to an immense expectation with regard to the economic possibilities of cooperation with Germany. Often large German industry are at the centre of these hopes, names such as Siemens, Volkswagen, BASF, and others. Occasionally, the expectations depend on state investment from Germany. Not infrequently the host, then react with astonishment, to point out that the state is limited to conditions for investment projects, and that the famous industry names have great significance, the real strength of our country lies in the middle market.

of Course, it’s to the 1200’s “Hidden Champions”, whose products are the world leader. But it also goes to many others who, although not Champions, but very successful. The “secret” of the German economic success is even in the Interaction between global corporations and these often rapid, innovative and creative small and medium-sized companies. This includes public or semi-public research institutions, as well as a special Form of mutual responsibility of employers and employee representatives and their trade unions. Together, they form the model for success, the social market economy.

Mittelstand in Germany is different than in neighboring European countries. We often talk about thousands of employees, a high level of innovation, global orientation, and still a family business. Your goal is a long-term economic success. Prefer to want to experience it for the business owner that their grandchildren continue this success.

The prerequisites for the willingness to invest in another country, are not only promising opportunities, but with reliable conditions for investment, the rule of law, transparency of the tax system and security of investment. Unlike corporations, these companies want to focus only on their core competence and no legal staff departments to deal with the work through a complex state hierarchies. In return, a country that can move a medium-sized family company, the investment gets, a very loyal Investor. These companies feel themselves to be on-site quickly, as well the country and the Region as “home” in Germany.

The Mittelstand in Germany is a job Creator, the subject, especially social insurance and hardly precarious work creates. The interesting and world’s least understood expression of this model, the vocational education and training. Around 50 percent of all apprenticeships in Germany are to be found in companies with under 50 employees. Qualifying has always been one of the Central pillars on which the economic success of Germany is based. And even the most visible expression of the constitutional mandate of article 14 of the basic law: “property entails obligations. Its use should also serve the public weal.” And of course, the qualified vocational training serves the interests of the company, “at the same time,” but also to the General strength of the individual trainee and the society as a whole. And it is the small and medium-sized family-owned company, which were in economic crises, this task deliberately. Here young people were formed, where in the evening the master of self-tutoring, had to give in order to reach in addition to the practical part, the theoretical requirements of the professional school.

The connection of theory and practice in the dual training gives the trainees good opportunities on the labour market. And in the interests of the employer, to create the most versatile and trained young talent. Your “ownership” of training is one of the great models of success in the German economy, and it is good that the employers have defended to train your right (and your duty) with teeth and Claws, if the parties or state institutions came up with the idea, you could actually be better. The desire of some foreign observers, to transfer but the dual model in their countries, is not so simple, because it uses this “ownership” in the vocational education and training. German companies, especially medium-sized – can take these examples but with abroad and do this also. You are a very practical contribution to the development of these countries.