ABSTRACT
Since the days of the ‘economic miracle’ in the 1960s, Germany has enjoyed high international acclaim for its economic as well as its technological achievements. This has only changed in recent history in connection with debates about the competitive position of Germany. For more than three decades the technological competitiveness of Germany was based on the outstanding research and educational infrastructure (for example, leading scientific and technical universities or Max Planck institutes), and, in addition, on world-renowned innovative firms (like Siemens and many automobile and chemical companies) and their educational programmes (career-oriented and continuing education). In particular, the company-run educational system in Germany was competitively untouchable for a long time. In the end the medium-sized businesses played a special role in the rise of Germany to the rank of a leading economic and export power – solely and in cooperation with large concerns.
