ifo Institute

AI will change many things in the future, including companies' business models. The question is how companies can use it to stay ahead of the competition. And where can Europe achieve a leading global position? Discuss this topic with Nicole Büttner, CEO of the AI company Merantix Momentum, live on site at the MED or online.

Economic experts from around the world expect inflation rates to decline in the years ahead. This is among the findings of the Economic Experts Survey. The inflation rate worldwide will reach 4.6% in 2024, then 4.4% next year, and 4.0% in 2027. In Germany, inflation for this year is expected to reach 3.1%, in Austria 4.2, and in Switzerland 1.8.

Companies in Germany have revised their investment plans for the current year downward. The ifo investment expectations fell to -0.1 points in March, down from +1.2 points in November. “Global demand for capital goods and intermediate goods remains weak and uncertainties persist regarding economic policy,” explains ifo-expert Lara Zarges.

Are we still innovative or have other countries long since left us behind? How do Germany and the EU compare internationally and what is needed for a successful innovation policy? Get to know more about these topics in the new issue of the ifo Schnelldienst 4/2024.

Uncertainty among the self-employed in Germany has increased in March. Thus, the business climate for this segment has deteriorated with the index falling to -15.6 points, down from -14.6 points in February. “Contrary to the situation in the other sectors of the economy, the self-employed are experiencing increasing doubt,” explains Katrin Demmelhuber.