News from 2015-02-25 / KfW Research

Standstill in Europe is slowing down innovation

KfW SME Innovation Report 2014

German SMEs’ innovative activity has slowed for the third consecutive year. The latest figures reveal that only 28 % of small and medium-sized enterprises are still investing in innovative products or processes. As a result, the share of innovative SMEs is currently even lower than in the years 2007–2009, which were heavily influenced by the financial crisis. The causes for this are continuing economic stagnation in Europe and increasing price competition. Sales and employment opportunities are not being exploited.


KfW SME Innovation Report 2014

Press release for KfW SME Innovation Report 2014

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KfW Research

Current analyses, indicators and polls on business cycles and the economy, both in Germany and worldwide.