Private sector

The investment environment in the coming years offers companies a wide range of business opportunities – particularly in the areas of construction, energy, IT, security technologies, transport and digitalisation. The modernisation of critical infrastructures and the digitalisation of administration are opening up new markets, including in cooperation with the public sector. In addition, the European ReArm Europe Plan creates additional potential: companies that contribute to strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) benefit from new funding instruments and strategic relevance at EU level.

Yes – both nationally and at European level. At federal level, projects in areas such as electromobility, charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, IT security or digital infrastructure are specifically promoted – partly through grants, partly through tax incentives or subsidised loans. At EU level, programmes such as the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the ReArm Europe Initiative offer access to funding for companies that develop security-relevant technologies, dual-use products or innovation-based collaborations.

Companies should familiarise themselves with the relevant procurement portals at an early stage – such as the federal government's e-tendering system, TED (EU) or the procurement marketplaces of the federal states. In addition to formal proof of suitability, sustainability certifications, IT security standards and procurement experience are playing an increasingly important role. In the case of defence-related projects, there are also increased requirements for confidentiality, IT security and corporate reliability.

In addition to technical capability, industry-specific evidence is required – for example in the area of secret protection, security checks in accordance with the German Security and Information Technology Act (SÜG), export control or NATO/EU approval. Particularly in EU projects such as ReArm Europe, different national regulations are to be expected, which makes an early compliance check sensible. Greater harmonisation is expected in the future – it is part of European defence strategy.

Digital sovereignty is increasingly a funding and award criterion. Companies that develop technologies on a European or national basis have advantages when awarding projects – especially in sensitive areas such as cloud infrastructure, platform solutions, data processing or communication networks. The use of open standards, interoperability and GDPR compliance are crucial.

PPP models offer private companies the opportunity to participate in public sector infrastructure or IT projects in the long term – as a construction or operating partner, technical service provider or financing partner. New projects are planned in the areas of education, energy supply, mobility and digital administration in particular. Success factors include transparent contract models, fair risk sharing and a robust governance framework.

KRITIS sectors such as energy, healthcare, transport and water are subject to strict regulatory requirements. Companies that want to become active here must take into account technical security requirements, audit obligations and industry-specific protection concepts – including emergency planning and IT security. The IT Security Act 2.0 and industry-specific standards such as B3S are particularly relevant. ESG criteria and sustainability requirements are also becoming increasingly important.

Cybersecurity is a strategic focus of the German government – particularly in the context of critical infrastructures and government digital projects. Companies can strengthen their security architecture through funding programmes (e. g. "Digital Jetzt"), industry initiatives (e. g. BSI cooperation) or EU funding. The ReArm Europe Plan also sees cybersecurity as an innovation-relevant field that should be specifically promoted – especially for small and medium-sized providers with technological specialisation.

With initiatives such as the ReArm Europe Plan or the EDF, the EU wants to strengthen its defence and technology capabilities. SMEs, start-ups and research partners that provide innovative solutions for security-relevant applications – for example in the fields of AI, robotics, sensor technology or dual-use technologies – are particularly in demand. Access to EU funding requires the ability to cooperate, project structuring and alignment with European standards. For many companies, transnational funding opportunities and new markets are available here for the first time.

Innovative companies can participate directly in the design of future infrastructures via pilot projects, test fields or research collaborations. The state is increasingly acting as an "innovation customer" – open to new technologies, modular approaches or scalable solutions. Targeted innovation partnerships are particularly desirable in areas such as AI-supported security, autonomous transport, space travel or digital resilience – both at national and European level.