Overview
- Bitkom’s September–October survey of 605 firms finds 93% view Germany as dependent on foreign digital technologies and services.
- Firms describing themselves as strongly dependent on U.S. technology rose to 51% from 41% in January, with 51% also strongly dependent on China.
- Companies say they could operate for about 12 months without U.S. tech and 11 months without Chinese tech, and only 4% would remain viable long term if imports stopped.
- Trust has fallen sharply, with only 38% expressing confidence in the United States and widespread distrust of China, as companies cite risks such as data access, tariffs and export controls.
- Looking ahead, 63% expect dependence to increase and a separate poll shows 98% of the public want greater independence, with a Germany–France summit on November 18 in Berlin presented as a starting step.