German Mittelstand Tackles AI Implementation Challenges at Impulse Night

On November 19, 2025, the first Impulse Night event convened at the ad hoc Arena, drawing numerous medium-sized enterprises to discuss key challenges such as bureaucracy reduction, energy supply, and notably, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within their operations. The event, organized by the Bundesverband Mittelständische Wirtschaft Thüringen, included insights from Prime Minister Dr. Mario Voigt and highlighted the growing focus of the Mittelstand on AI advancements.

This gathering coincides with findings from a Slalom study involving 161 German respondents, revealing that 73% of German companies are actively creating new AI roles. However, 55% report skills gaps as the primary barrier to successful AI deployment. Middle management plays a crucial role yet faces significant challenges: only half can allocate time for AI projects, and less than half can effectively coach their teams on AI tools. Upskilling existing staff rather than outright replacement with AI is advocated by Pamela Maruschke, Slalom Germany's Managing Director of Transformation, emphasizing the need to blend human skills with machine efficiency.

While some companies experiment with AI-driven training, only 11% find it very effective, with 60% perceiving moderate success. Leadership priorities are shifting towards critical thinking and problem-solving over traditional competencies like communication and emotional intelligence. Despite these hurdles, 74% of middle management feels prepared to identify the skills required for an AI-driven workplace, stressing the importance of strategic planning as German companies evolve.

The synergy of event discussions and survey data paints a clear picture: German Mittelstand firms recognize AI’s transformative potential but must overcome skills shortages and empower middle management to lead technology integration effectively.