Success Factors of Midsize 3D Printing Companies in USA and Germany : A Comparative Analysis
- Midsize Companies (MCs), characterised by their small ownership structuresand limited recognition, have significantly contributed to the economy overmany years, offering valuable insights into the factors contributing to theirsuccess. Successful MCs often evolve into Hidden Champions (HC), becomingleaders in niche markets. These companies are more prevalent in Germany,known as the classical Mittelstand, than in the United States of America (USA),highlighting a potential cultural influence on their establishment and growth.This study examines two midsize companies in the three-dimensional (3D)printing sector: 3D Systems Inc. from the USA and SLM Solutions AG fromGermany. By analysing both financial and non-financial performance indicators,this research identifies notable distinctions in maturity levels, market strategies,customer bases, and other operational aspects. Additionally, the study exploreshow cultural differences, as defined by Hofstede's dimensions, impact theoperations of these companies within their respective nationalMidsize Companies (MCs), characterised by their small ownership structuresand limited recognition, have significantly contributed to the economy overmany years, offering valuable insights into the factors contributing to theirsuccess. Successful MCs often evolve into Hidden Champions (HC), becomingleaders in niche markets. These companies are more prevalent in Germany,known as the classical Mittelstand, than in the United States of America (USA),highlighting a potential cultural influence on their establishment and growth.This study examines two midsize companies in the three-dimensional (3D)printing sector: 3D Systems Inc. from the USA and SLM Solutions AG fromGermany. By analysing both financial and non-financial performance indicators,this research identifies notable distinctions in maturity levels, market strategies,customer bases, and other operational aspects. Additionally, the study exploreshow cultural differences, as defined by Hofstede's dimensions, impact theoperations of these companies within their respective national contexts. Thedynamic nature of the 3D printing industry provides a rich context to investigatewhat differentiates American and German MCs within this sector. The paperconcludes that substantial long-term investment in research and development isessential for the 3D printing industry to achieve profitability in a more maturephase.…


| Author: | Kai-Uwe WellnerORCiD, Kariena StrydomORCiD |
|---|---|
| URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:92-opus4-38787 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.34646/thn/ohmdok-3878 |
| ISBN: | 978-0-7961-8362-0 |
| Parent Title (English): | PROCEEDINGS OF THE17TH INTERNATIONALBUSINESS CONFERENCEFOR 2024 |
| Subtitle (English): | 3D printing Midsize Companies (MC) Hidden Champions (HC) Strategy Culture |
| Place of publication: | NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY, Potchefstroom, South Africa |
| Document Type: | conference proceeding (article) |
| Language: | English |
| Date of first Publication: | 2024/11/01 |
| Publishing Institution: | Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm |
| Reviewed: | Begutachtet/Reviewed |
| Release Date: | 2025/05/12 |
| Tag: | 3D printing; Midsize Companies (MC); USA; Germany; Hidden Champions (HC); Strategy; Culture |
| Volume: | IBC 2024 |
| Pagenumber: | 25 |
| First Page: | 136 |
| Last Page: | 161 |
| Konferenzangabe: | IBC International Business Conference 2024 South Africa |
| Andere Schriftenreihe: | IBC International Business Conference |
| institutes: | Fakultät Betriebswirtschaft |
