Essay: „Mehr leisten, um uns mehr leisten zu können“ – Der Siemens-Chef erklärt, warum wir unseren Wohlstand neu erarbeiten müssen

In the realm of physics, a fundamental principle governs the relationship between work and time: power, or the rate at which work is done, equals work divided by time. This same equation resonates deeply within the economy. The level of economic output and prosperity hinges on the intensity of labor and the value generated from that effort.

To sustain our own prosperity, we must contribute more to the equation. Essential elements include education, dependable infrastructure, and social security. Germany, however, does not currently face a conventional labor shortage. Instead, we confront a future crisis—a challenge unparalleled in the history of the Federal Republic.

First, the youngest generations are entering retirement, leaving fewer people of working age to shoulder the financial burden of an aging society. Simultaneously, Germany's productivity edge, which once propelled the nation's success over decades, is eroding. German factories are costly, yet they also create more value per hour of labor.

This advantage diminishes as competitors around the globe advance. Additionally, rapid technological change intensifies the pressure. Cutting-edge innovations—most notably artificial intelligence—transform product development, manufacturing, and the emergence of future growth and productivity. While our global competitors react swiftly, Germany is falling behind.

The equation that once underpinned our wealth no longer holds true: we labor less, invest sparingly, and move too slowly. Yet, this situation is reversible. If enough individuals are willing to tackle the challenge, we can alter the trajectory.