Executive Panel

The IVAM Executive Panel is the mood indicator for the microtechnology industry. Experts from industry and science give their opinion on a current topic from the fields of economy, politics or society. In order to collect these opinions, we conduct quick surveys among selected executives in mostly small and medium-sized enterprises and leading scientists in Germany and some neighboring countries.
29.06.2011

IVAM Executive Panel, June 2011: Alternative energy policy involves more opportunities than risks

In the next years, electricity costs in Germany may rise as a result of the government’s decision to phase out of nuclear power quickly. Still, representatives of the German microtechnology industry do not only see risks but also new opportunities in the alternative energy policy. It will not only increase the need to exploit new …
28.06.2011

IVAM Executive Panel, June 2011: Efficiency is immanent to microtechnology production

In Germany , 18 percent of microtechnology companies would be able to counterbalance rising power costs by producing more efficiently. 55 percent say they might be able to save power in production but would have to cut back in other areas in order to completely compensate for increasing power costs. Nevertheless, the companies are willing …
27.06.2011

IVAM Executive Panel, June 2011: Demand for efficiency raises market opportunities

No matter how the electricity costs will develop in the coming years: phasing out of nuclear power will not only have negative consequences for the microtechnology industry. Almost three quarters (72 percent) of industry experts are convinced that the alternative energy policy opens up new market opportunities.   Microsystems technology is creating the basis for …
28.03.2011

IVAM Executive Panel, March 2011: Skills shortage not acute for microtechnology SMEs

The much-discussed shortage of skilled workers is not an acute problem for many small and medium-sized microtechnology enterprises. Companies whose innovation efforts are thwarted because they do not find adequately qualified staff are the exception rather than the rule. According to industry experts, small and medium-sized high-tech companies do have advantages on the highly competitive …
27.03.2011

IVAM Executive Panel, March 2011: Temporary employment only a compromise for high-tech SMEs

Most small and medium-sized microtechnology enterprises would only fill engineering positions with temporary workers if there was not enough time to recruit permanent employees – because of the efforts and risk involved. Development processes in innovative SMEs are long and require specialized knowledge. To convey the necessary knowledge to temporarily employed workers takes too much …