The SPD Economic Forum

The Economic Forum of the SPD (Wirtschaftsforum der SPD) represents small businesses, SMEs and large corporations alike. We bring together entrepreneurs, managers and freelancers who share the understanding that business should always be committed to social cohesion and the common good. Our members take on social responsibility with their commitment and competence and make a contribution to the renewal and cohesion in Germany.

In the 21st century, the social market economy, as a proven economic model, faces fundamental challenges: demographic change, technological progress – especially digitalization -, the scarcity of natural resources, and increasing internationalization pose major challenges for the economy, society and the state alike.

In order for Germany to successfully continue on its path of social market economy, it requires an intensive exchange and new forms of interaction between business and politics. As a meeting place for decision-makers, the Wirtschaftsforum der SPD organizes the dialogue with the leaders of the SPD in governments, parliaments, party committees and other social groups.

Brussels Delegation 2025

China Delegation 2024 (Beijing, Hefei, Shenzhen)

Brussels Delegation 2024

London Delegation 2024

Washington Delegation 2023

About Us

The SPD Economic Forum (Wirtschaftsforum der SPD) is an independent entrepreneurial association. As a registered association it has no financial, personal or structural connections to any political party. Its major focus is on organizing the exchange with social democratic leaders in parliaments, governments and party structures on the federal, state and European level.

The association was founded on the initiative of the former CEO of TUI AG, Dr. Michael Frenzel and other supporters in February 2015. He was the Forum’s first president and is now its Honorary President. End of 2021, Prof. Dr. Ines Zenke succeeded Dr. Michael Frenzel as the association’s president.

The Economic Forum has the task of promoting and developing the social market economy in the 21st century and sees sustainable and innovative economic success as a result of the interplay of economic and social progress.

The Forum has been self-financed from the beginning and sees this as a mandatory requirement for its independence from the party, government programs and coalition agreements. Conversely, any outflow of funds to a political party is explicitly prohibited by our statute. There is thus no financial, organizational or operational connection between the Economic Forum of the SPD and the Social Democratic Party of Germany beyond the common canon of values.

The SPD Economic Forum currently has more than 500 members, including individuals, companies and associations. They come from all sectors and thus reflect Germany as a diverse, unique and successful business location. Our membership includes globally active Dax and MDax companies as well as large, successful family businesses, medium-sized companies, young, fast-growing Start-ups and international companies with a strong presence in Germany. In addition, many entrepreneurs support the forum with a personal membership.

In terms of content, the members contribute to the work of the SPD Economic Forum in 13 different specialist fora. The fora are the engines of the Wirtschaftsforum in which the members work on recommendations, how Germany as a business location can become more competitive and successful. The fora focus on the following topics:

• Digitalization
• Energy and Climate
• Europe and Foreign Trade
• Finance and Capital Markets
• Health Economics
• Trade and Consumer Goods
• Municipal Services
• Cultural and Creative Industries
• Mobility and Infrastructure
• Resources and Sustainability
• Urban Development, Construction and Real Estate
• World of work, Collective Bargaining and Integration
• Tourism

Current issues are discussed in various formats with parliamentarians from the state, federal and European level, as well as with Ministers, Secretaries of State, Ministerial Experts and high-ranking Party Representatives.

The SPD Economic Forum is committed to an intensive exchange and new forms of interaction between business and politics and organizes the dialogue between the respective representatives. Our statutes were drawn up on February 5, 2015 in Berlin and were last changed through a resolution passed by the General Meeting on September 19, 2022.

The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the SPD Economic Forum is made up of the seven-member Executive Committee and the six-member Extended Executive Committee. The term of office in both bodies is two years, with elections taking place alternately. The work of the Executive Committee is on an honorary basis. No remuneration or expense allowances are paid.

Managing Director

Dr. Frank Wilhelmy has been Managing Director of our association since October 1, 2017. He is a political and business consultant with several years of experience in the fields of brand communication, campaign and strategy development in businesses, associations and politics.

The Secretariat

The office of the SPD Economic Forum (Wirtschaftsforum der SPD e. V.) is located at Dorotheenstraße 35, in the heart of the government district. The team works under the direction of Dr. Frank Wilhelmy on the expansion of the association structures, the thematic issues of the fora and the organization of meetings and events of the Economic Forum. In addition to the offices, the Secretariat offers space for conference, meetings, background discussions and lectures.

Where to find us:

Economic Forum of the SPD (Wirtschaftsforum der SPD e. V.)
Dorotheenstrasse 35
10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0)30 863 22 33 0
E-Mail: mail@spd-wirtschaftsforum.de