德国的世界第一，正在批量阵亡

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "hidden champions," which are small to medium-sized enterprises that dominate niche markets but remain largely unknown to the general public. These companies are characterized by their strong technological capabilities and high product value, making them difficult to imitate and surpass [7][8][10]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Hidden Champions - The term "hidden champion" was introduced by German scholar Hermann Simon in 1990, referring to companies that hold a leading position in a specific niche market but are not widely recognized [7]. - Hidden champions typically exhibit several unusual traits: they are often rooted in small towns, have low employee turnover, and focus on highly specialized core businesses [9]. - According to Simon's criteria, hidden champions are defined as companies that rank among the top three in their niche globally, have annual revenues not exceeding €5 billion, and are not well-known to the public [10][11]. Group 2: Germany's Dominance in Hidden Champions - Germany is home to nearly half of the world's hidden champions, with around 3,000 such companies globally, while China has fewer than 100 [11][12]. - The strength of Germany's manufacturing sector is attributed to its high-value, technology-intensive production, which has allowed it to maintain a competitive edge in global markets [26][30]. - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up over 99% of German companies and contribute 55% to the GDP, highlighting their crucial role in the economy [30]. Group 3: Challenges Faced by Hidden Champions - Recently, many German hidden champions, particularly in the automotive sector, have faced bankruptcy due to rising costs and increased competition from Chinese manufacturers [42][49]. - The energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions has led to soaring energy prices, further straining these companies [49]. - The aging workforce in Germany, coupled with a declining birth rate, has resulted in significant labor shortages, with projections indicating a shortfall of up to 7 million jobs by 2035 [49][50]. Group 4: Case Studies of Hidden Champions - Wanzl, a German company founded in 1918, dominates the global market for shopping carts, with a market share exceeding 50% [15]. - Körber, established in 1946, has become the global leader in high-speed cigarette manufacturing machines, showcasing the technological prowess of hidden champions [18][19]. - Flexi, a small company producing retractable dog leashes, has achieved global sales leadership despite having only around 300 employees [37][41].