Dietz believes the German IT sector emerged from the crisis in far better shape than many other industries, although there is still plenty of catching up to do in certain areas. The number of companies being founded in Germany at present, for example, is still too low. Compared with other industrialised nations, Germany ranks 19th in terms of company start-ups. The overwhelming majority of these companies also remain relatively small years after formation. Just 1 percent of all German ICT companies currently employ over 100 people; almost 89 percent have 9 or less employees.

“Germany is not producing enough global IT corporations. Most German companies in the Information and Communication Technology sector are not capable of grasping the opportunities which globalisation offers,” explains Dietz. Young companies in particular often find it hard to raise the necessary finance for such an expansionary strategy, to find suitable partners, or to adapt their positioning to fast-changing market conditions.
“Without global players, however, we will never be able to position ourselves inter-nationally as a top IT location. This is why it’s essential that we give young companies strong support, enabling them to take the next expansion steps after the foundation phase and target international expansion. Our aim must be to create a culture of business founders and entrepreneurs who regard international success as their key benchmark”. Moreover, Germany must also become more attractive for company founders from abroad. “We need brave and innovative entrepreneurs, wherever they come from, and we must help and encourage them during their first steps,” says Dietz.

Within the framework of the IT Summit, GFT’s CEO has also been active in the BMWi’s mentoring programme “Young IT companies ready for take-off”. Young IT companies have the opportunity to exchange views with experienced managers of successful
ICT companies, as well as to discuss growth strategies and seek advice on important corporate decisions. The first meeting of mentors and mentees took place the day before the Dresden summit. Ulrich Dietz will be accompanying the Bremen-based company Mobilinga, founded in 2008, throughout the coming year. The company is dedicated to using the current mobile internet trend and develops apps for mobile learning.

“I’m optimistic that our discussions with the political institutions will greatly enhance the growth opportunities for young companies. The IT Summit will once again chart a course for Germany to position itself internationally as a leading location for IT companies,” says Dietz.