Zukunftssicherung von Familienunternehmen

In the article „Zukunftssicherung von Familienunternehmen“ (FuS 6/2021) by Christian Mohr, Marcel Hülsbeck and Leopold von Schlenk-Barnsdorf, the embedding of family businesses in their environment is discussed. The focus is on the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems for knowledge transfer and innovation, particularly in the context of the transition from an industrial to a knowledge-based society. The authors examine how knowledge flows between organisations and what significance this has for the competitiveness of family businesses.

The theoretical foundations of the article are based on the analysis of knowledge flows and their influence on innovation processes. The authors argue that family businesses, due to their specific characteristics, experience both opportunities and challenges in their interaction with their ecosystem. The necessity for open communication and the reduction of the need for control are highlighted as central aspects to promote knowledge transfer and unlock innovation potential.

The results show that family businesses can increase their innovation capability through active participation in knowledge networks and the use of external sources of knowledge. The authors emphasise that strategic adaptation to dynamic developments and the willingness to cooperate with other companies are crucial in order to remain successful in the digital age. The implications for entrepreneurial families are far-reaching, as they must learn to view competition not only as a threat, but also as an opportunity for collaboration.