Networks and alliances are becoming increasingly important – not only as a tool for overcoming current challenges, but also as a driver of innovation and competitiveness, say economic experts.
October 2025 – Cooperation is a promising solution. It can “bring together the different skills of two or more partners, opening up new avenues in product development while reducing the risk of failure.” As an example, he cites the collaboration between established medium-sized companies and start-ups: “The young company gains access to new markets – and the medium-sized company gains access to new technologies.”
At the same time, networks also improve operational resilience. Especially in times of geopolitical instability, joint procurement strategies, a diversified supply chain, or shared risk buffers offer decisive advantages. There are also economic effects: a stronger negotiating position vis-à-vis major customers, suppliers, or banks, improved access to markets, and greater visibility in the market are just some of the positive side effects that arise from the community.
But like any form of collaboration, cooperation is not a sure-fire success. “The prerequisite for a successful partnership is to meet on equal terms and with the necessary openness,” emphasizes Schröder. Managers in medium-sized companies in particular often have reservations and a comparatively strong focus on security. As a result, they are still too often hesitant to cooperate with start-ups. Conversely, young, innovative companies sometimes want their partners to be quicker and more courageous.
“Exchanging ideas with other companies often leads to better solutions, prevents mistakes, and creates networks that last beyond the specific occasion,” adds Werner Broeckmann, head of the construction industry specialist group at the association “Die KMU-Berater – Bundesverband freier Berater” (The SME Consultants – Federal Association of Independent Consultants), who recently entered into a cooperation agreement with his own company. A prerequisite for this is a relationship of trust that has grown over time. “Cooperation means more than just working together: it requires openness, honesty, and the courage to talk about problems,” he emphasizes, and Thomas Schader, also an SME consultant, adds: “Cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises enables companies to supplement missing skills and jointly tackle larger projects that individual companies would not be able to handle on their own.”
Technological infrastructure also plays a central role in promoting new cooperation models. “For example, (supra)regional digital platforms are very helpful in enabling companies willing to cooperate to present themselves with a short profile, their respective offerings or needs, and thus find suitable partners,” says Schröder from IfM. He also sees the public sector as having a responsibility: as a public contracting authority that awards contracts worth several hundred billion euros a year, the state could encourage more innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, centralizing the award platforms could simplify access to public tenders.
One example of active cooperation is System Alliance Europe (SAE), an association of medium-sized freight forwarders from 32 European countries. What began as a logistics network is now a vibrant innovation ecosystem. The partners work together on solutions for digital shipment tracking, automated data exchange, sustainable transport solutions, and AI-based forecasts in the supply chain. “Cooperations such as SAE are the future. Especially in times of global uncertainty and technological upheaval, it is crucial that medium-sized companies join forces and are open to partnerships,” emphasizes SME consultant Schader.
Experts agree that the future of European SMEs lies in consistently embracing a partnership mindset. They are convinced that cooperation is not a sign of weakness – on the contrary. It is an expression of foresight, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial courage. In a world where no industry can survive on its own anymore, the ability to collaborate is becoming a crucial skill. “Cooperation leads to win-win situations – for companies, industries, and ultimately for society,” summarizes Dr. Schröder. Networks such as System Alliance Europe show that this attitude can lead not only to efficiency gains but also to genuine innovation.
