Familienunternehmertum im Blick

With the study „Focus on Family Entrepreneurship“ (2026) by Prof. Dr Tom A. Rüsen, Stephanie Engelmann and Dr Ruth Orenstrat, the WIFU Foundation presents an empirically grounded review of key issues facing family businesses and entrepreneurial families. The study is based on a brief qualitative online survey conducted in 2025 covering the areas of business, family, ownership and future research needs.

The publication shows that family business owners are increasingly operating under the influence of external uncertainties. In a business context, strategy and political and social conditions are becoming particularly important. In the family sphere, succession and governance issues remain at the forefront, whilst at the ownership level, tax, legal and regulatory aspects in particular remain relevant.

The study provides a structured overview of current issues and future research needs in the field of family businesses. At the same time, it identifies key areas of research such as resilience, NextGen, family governance, wealth preservation and regulation. The publication thus provides a well-founded analysis of current challenges and practical guidance for family business owners, entrepreneurial families and researchers.

The Forschungsreport „A Focus on Family Business“ summarises the key findings of the study of the same name.