Billionaires are a reflection of the political, economic and technological dynamics of their societies. Therefore, it makes sense to compare the ten richest billionaires in Germany and the United States. I do this anonymously to maintain respect and only illuminate general patterns. As I said, it can not be more than a small approach.
Thomas Druyen has been dealing with the effects of change on the psyche, society and the generations for over three decades. He has been director of the Institute for Future Psychology and Future Management since 2015 as well as director of the Institute for Comparative Vermögultur and Wealth Psychology at Sigmund Freud Private University in Vienna since 2006. His current book means: “Learning from the future – the guide for concrete change.”
The United States are the driving force in global innovation economy. Her greatest assets are created in industries such as technology, software, e-commerce and social media. Companies such as Apple, Google, Meta or Amazon show that. Also and, above all, artificial intelligence is at the center of these success stories.
American billionaires use machine learning, automation and personalized algorithms to dominate existing markets and create new markets. Currently, nine of the ten richest people in the world come from America. Almost all owe their gigantic and epochal success directly to the integration of AI into their business models.
For them, these technologies are not just tools, but the core of their economic and entrepreneurial strategies. This approach is not shaped by an altruistic culture, but often by aggressive and omnipotent behavior that aims at supremacy. The dominating platform entrepreneurs use specific disruptive technologies and dominant strategies to mercilessly maximize their influence.
Germany has a completely different structure. In the billionaires, logistics, assembly technology and discounter groups dominate, but also participation, software and investment entrepreneurs. This is followed by traditional industries such as mechanical engineering and automotive production, chemical and pharmaceutical industry etc.
All of this contributes to the great fortune. Companies in these areas in particular have made a name for themselves through functionality and quality worldwide. Some German billionaires are also heirs from family businesses that have grown over generations.
Although AI is increasingly being used in these industries, her focus remains hesitant: it is primarily used to optimize processes and to improve efficiency. There are hardly any German billionaires who mainly generated their assets through AI.
Instead, it is seen as a supporting element that is integrated into existing business models instead of changing them fundamentally. This conservative approach reflects the stability and focus on a safety -aware tradition that is deeply rooted in the German economy.
Before we think ahead, we have to note that the assets of the ten richest billionaires are now between $ 11 and around $ 37 billion. In the United States, the same source names a range between $ 105 and 200 billion. Other sources at Musk are already speaking of $ 400 billion. In any case, we are talking about very different dimensions, which are certainly striking in influence.
Another decisive difference is in the educational landscape. The United States are known for their top universities such as Harvard, Stanford and that, which are leaders worldwide in research and development of new technologies, including AI. These institutions not only attract the best heads from all over the world, but also promote entrepreneurship and willingness to take risks.
Many American billionaires have started their careers at such universities that serve as incubators for innovation. These connections between education, research and top companies create an ecosystem that drives growth, progress and visions.
In Germany, the universities are more focused on academic and industry -specific training courses and deeply and deeply intertwined with the economy. We also have excellence universities and technical universities, but the same promotion of start-ups and entrepreneurship, as is common in the USA. In addition, an international reputation and field leadership do not occur often.
The general stimulus and attractiveness caused by an innovative company like Biontech Global is still too rare. Without a doubt, for example, we have absolutely competitive top organizations with the Helmholtz Research Network or the Max Planck Institutes. But they are known far below their importance in public.
Another essential aspect is the influence of billionaires on politics. In the United States, this influence is obvious and institutionalized. Many super -rich invest enormous sums in election campaigns, lobbying and political foundations. This gives you a significant say in political decisions, from tax regulations to environmental laws.
Organizations that are financed by billionaires often set national or even global agendas that have far -reaching consequences for society and business. This direct connection between wealth and power has a long tradition in the USA and is supported by a system that largely allows political donations. The current Trump government is often referred to as oligarchy.
In Germany, the political influence of billionaires is far more reluctant. There are lobbying and political networks here too, but the system is more regulated and less dependent on individual large donors. This leads to a lower direct influence of the super rich on political decisions.
Instead, many German billionaires are involved in the form of foundations, the promotion of science or non -profit projects that often pursue social or cultural goals. This reluctance may be cultural, but also reflects the different political systems, which is much more geared towards private sector financing in the United States.
In our Bundestag and in the responsible political management functions, members of the middle classes are fully represented. Overall, we also see the super -rich enormous differences in mentalities, in self -image and also in the ability to self -criticism and self -reflection, which has been part of the cultural DNA for seventy years in Germany.
In this sketchy comparison, it is important to shed light on the different goals and visions of the two nations. The United States strives to postpone the limits of what is feasible. Projects such as the Mars mission, the commercialization of the moon trip and above all the use of AI in all areas of life are evidence of this pioneer and dominance spirit.
Billionaires invest in large -scale visions that not only drive technological progress, but also literally lead humanity into new worlds. This urge to “make the impossible possible”, reflects the American mentality: to take risks and dominate globally.
At the same time, there is a fundamental difference in the economic structure: While the United States can act more frequently in many areas, Germany's prosperity is strongly based on its role as an export nation. Industrial goods such as machines, vehicles and chemical products are the basis of German exports and make the country extremely dependent on international markets.
This dependence requires stability and long -term partnerships, while the USA has more flexibility and independence due to its large internal market. The necessary leadership role in Europe also makes it much more complicated for Germany to implement its own interests directly.
From my consideration, the comprehensive and exponential use of artificial intelligence for and in our society is the decisive and ultimate step in order to lead all of our talents and achievements competitive to the future. I think the different generations, the entrepreneurs and the youth of our country can and want to implement this. However, the previous cultural switch must be radically flipped. In this regard, the political parties do not seem to have a clear usage concept of these highly comprehensive progress drivers.
If even individual parties put a ban on billionaires in the room, one can guess that this is rated internationally as an oath of revelation and not as a lighthouse strategy.
