Berlin Research News
New Bertelsmann Foundation study highlights pathways to resilient and sustainable business models
A new study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, authored by Professor Florian Lüdeke-Freund, Academic Director of the Master in Impact Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School, sheds light on how German companies can strengthen their competitiveness and resilience amid ongoing global challenges.
Published in November 2025 under the title “Competitiveness and Resilience Despite the Crisis – Future-Proofing German Business Models”, the study explores strategies for companies to navigate a time marked by geopolitical tensions, environmental crises and rapid technological transformation.
The research introduces the concept of a “triple dividend” – combining competitiveness, resilience and sustainability – as a new guiding goal for future-proof business models. Data show that companies integrating sustainability into their strategic and operational frameworks are better equipped to adapt and succeed in turbulent environments.
Among the key findings:
- Around 60% of German companies have already made sustainability a central driver of change in their business models.
- Companies that align competitiveness with sustainability demonstrate higher resilience both now and in the face of future challenges.
- Four core capabilities – proactive stakeholder management, openness to learning, constructive interpretation of sustainability developments, and innovation driven by sustainability motivation – are critical to achieving this “triple dividend.”
The study calls for decisive action from both business leaders and policymakers. While companies should proactively shape their own transformation, political frameworks must support innovation and investment in sustainable business models.
Professor Lüdeke-Freund emphasises: “If German companies succeed in activating their transformation potential, the economy can emerge from today’s multiple crises stronger, more resilient and more sustainable.”
This research underlines the core principles taught in ESCP’s Master in Impact Entrepreneurship, which equips future leaders with the tools to create innovative, sustainable and resilient ventures.
The full study, published in German by the Bertelsmann Foundation, is available here.
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