MittelstandsWiki

Researchers wishing to set up their own businesses are experts in their respective fields, but may lack the necessary business knowledge. In the course of the “Fraunhofer promotes management” programme which is supported by the Federal ministry for education and research (BMBF) the venture group of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is going to support research company founders with experienced managers. +++

The most important finding of a survey carried out by the Deutsche Mittelstands Barometer (DMB) is that small and medium-sized entities are optimistic about the year 2008 and expect more employment. Thus, the positive feeling among SMEs is to continue and will further boost the labour market over the months to come. However, this positive outlook is darkened by too much bureaucracy, high tax burdens as well as a lack of specialists. +++

A similar step has not been taken in 16 years: The US Federal Reserve (FED) in one go lowered the key interest rate by 75 basic points from 4.25% to 3.5%. Another lowering by 25 basic points next week is expected by many analysts. +++

Almost half of all German companies operating in the internet economy do without modern communication technology. Not even 7% of all customer enquiries are dealt with via live-chat, virtual counselling or dynamic FAQ systems. Instead, more than 80% of companies cling to personnel-intensive and therefore cost-intensive means of communication with clients such as phone, fax or email. This was revealed by the “Multichannel-Management” study conducted jointly by the novomind software company and the TeleTalk specific journal. +++