Germany's KfW CEO unveils bold plan to boost innovation and competitiveness

Stefan Wintels, CEO of KfW, has proposed a new investment and innovation agenda to improve Germany’s competitiveness. He believes the country must act quickly to capitalise on current opportunities for growth. His plan includes mobilising more venture and innovation capital through initiatives like the WIN Initiative, launched in 2024. Wintels is pushing for a 'German Deal for Innovation' to unlock capital and strengthen innovation ecosystems. He argues that scaling up efforts is essential to turn ideas into thriving businesses. Expanding innovation infrastructure is a key part of his proposal.

The agenda also calls for progress on the Capital Markets Union and regulatory changes. These adjustments would allow institutional investors to support venture and growth capital more easily. Wintels highlights Europe’s need for larger growth funds and fund-of-funds structures to address the annual financing gap with the U.S. The WIN Initiative forms a central part of these efforts to attract additional funding. Wintels stresses that the potential for innovation exists and must be seized. His proposals aim to position Germany as a stronger competitor in the global market.