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.show moreshow less

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Metadaten
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
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