Crafts in transition: East Saxony between upswing and challenges!

Crafts in transition: East Saxony between upswing and challenges!

Something is happening in the craft sector in East Saxony. The region is booming! According to the latest survey, there are around 22,300 craft businesses here, and almost three quarters of these companies, according to the IHK Dresden, consider their business situation to be good. A record-breaking value that shows that craftsmanship is very popular. This is especially true at times when other industries are struggling with challenges.

Andreas Brzezinski, the general manager of the Dresden Chamber, addresses the current economic situation and emphasizes that despite a positive response to the business situation, the opportunities for improvement are limited. Fortunately, the average capacity utilization of the companies is 91 percent, which speaks for a strong economic driver.

Challenges for specific sectors

The construction and finishing trade in particular, which makes up 60 percent of the member companies, gives the economy a boost. But not all areas are on the rise. Bakers and butchers complain about declining orders, while the motor vehicle industry is suffering from the pressure of the diesel scandal and increasing emissions tests. The problems are diverse and often vary regionally.

An interesting aspect is the development in rural areas, where a decline in businesses of up to 5.4 percent within five years was documented. The reasons for this are demographic changes, infrastructure problems and a shortage of young talent. “There is something to be done,” says Chamber President Jörg Dittrich and calls on politicians to make massive investments in structurally weak regions such as Lusatia. He hopes that a special economic zone with rapid planning implementation would help.

Spirit of change in crafts

Parallel to the current developments, historian Matthias Donath has created an exciting analysis of the period from the Peaceful Revolution to reunification with his work “Change in the craft sector during the transition from a planned economy to a social market economy”. This book, which was published in East Saxony, combines numerous contemporary witness reports from craftsmen, representatives of craft organizations and public figures and gives younger readers an authentic insight into an eventful era. The excitingly designed pages, with lots of photos and graphics, make you want to take a look back into the past.

The only downer is the current challenges, as current surveys in the craft sector suggest. Nine out of ten companies predict that the current stability of orders may not last much longer despite increased prices. Even if the overall mood in the trade is positive, experts urge vigilance.

Shaping the future of craftsmanship

The chamber sees the preservation and expansion of important infrastructure as a solution. Proposals to introduce a Saxony-wide trainee ticket and a nationwide broadband expansion are at the top of the list of urgent demands.

Meanwhile, the craft census from Destatis provides important data on licensed and non-licensed crafts in Germany. This information is also relevant for East Saxons, as it represents a basis for strategic planning and the future promotion of training places in the region.

The region has a lot of potential, but also some hurdles ahead. The challenges must be met with a good hand and a clear plan in order to maintain a flourishing craft landscape in the future - for everyone who lives and works here.