Overview
- Published Feb. 13, 2026 by BCG and UnternehmerTUM, the "Wachstumspfade" study quantifies a large but unrealized value-creation opportunity.
- The analysis pinpoints six priority fields—AI, quantum technology, microelectronics, biotechnology, climate-neutral energy and fusion, and mobility—as the core drivers.
- Germany shows strong science and patenting, yet the transfer into scalable business models remains insufficient.
- The scale-up gap is stark, with about 30 German unicorns versus roughly 700 in the United States and about 370 in China.
- Authors recommend focusing on industrial AI, robotics and world models, plus mobility areas such as batteries, Hyperloop and autonomous systems, with the federal Hightech Agenda positioned as a key lever.