How do medium-sized companies manage to grow without IT becoming a bottleneck?

We addressed precisely this question at the Future Day for SMEs 2026 in Berlin – together with over 6,000 decision-makers from business, politics, and society.

The middle class is facing a decisive phase. Growth, digitalization, a shortage of skilled workers, and increasing regulatory requirements are all hitting at once – and that was clearly felt at the "Mittelstand 2026 Future Day" in Berlin.

With several thousand entrepreneurs, top-class speakers, and intensive discussions, the event is considered a central platform for the German Mittelstand, bringing together business, politics, and innovation.

In the thick of it: VALEO IT Services International GmbH – as an exhibitor, as a discussion partner, and with their own Masterclass on stage.

Exchange at eye level – and real challenges

Right from the setup on Tuesday, it was clear: this isn't about theory. This is about real challenges that move companies every day.

On the day of the event, this impression was confirmed. Discussions with managing directors, IT managers, and decision-makers repeatedly showed the same picture:

The topics are familiar – cloud, cybersecurity, AI, efficiency. But the real challenge lies elsewhere.

In progress.

That's exactly what makes Future Day so valuable: It brings together people who don't just talk about the future, but actively work on solutions.

Stronger Together: Upper Palatinate Expertise in Berlin

A special mark was set by the joint appearance with the Beraten und Planen Group from Burglengenfeld.

Under the motto „Engineering and IT expertise from the Upper Palatinate - W“The future has roots" clearly showed what defines the middle class: partnership, pragmatism, and the ability to solve complex challenges together.

Because transformation doesn't happen in a silo – but rather in the interplay of strategy, technology, and implementation.

“IT as a top priority” - a clear message

A central highlight was our masterclass:

„IT as a Top Priority – Securing Growth Without More IT Staff“

Right from the start, a deliberately provocative reality check was presented:

• How well equipped is your own IT really?
• What happens in an emergency?
• And above all: Is IT ready today for tomorrow's growth?

The reactions in the room were clear. Many companies are under pressure – not because they lack technology, but because they lack structures.

Because the reality is clear: A large part of IT departments is already working at its limit, while at the same time new demands from topics such as NIS2, cybersecurity, and cloud continue to grow.

The real problem is therefore rarely technical. It is a structural problem.

From Firefighting Mode to Strategic Control

What distinguishes successful companies is neither a tool nor a single project. It is the way IT is conceived and managed.
While many organizations are still working in operational „firefighting mode,“ others are taking it a step further: they are organizing IT as a clearly structured, scalable service unit.
Automation plays an important role in this – not as a replacement for people, but as relief. Processes become faster, more stable, and more predictable.
The decisive lever, however, lies on another level: in governance.

Because IT scaling is not purely a technical question. It is a management decision.

Three days, a clear conclusion

For us, Future Day was more than just an event. It was characterized by intense discussions, new contacts, and valuable momentum – but also by real team spirit.

From the joint setup to the trade show day, the evening event, and the final breakfast, it became clear what makes successful collaboration: trust, exchange, and a common goal.

Our local team

The Future Day was not just a stage for us – but above all a team effort:

• Stefan Borst - Director of Finance & HR
• Constantin Schäfer – Director Corporate Governance & Organizational Development
• Volker Keck – Lead Operational Support Services
• Erwin Szabo – Lead Development Services
• Roman Gollmer – Lead Infrastructure & Enduser Services
• Rocco Arnold – Lead Multi-Customer Support Services
• Simon Kirchner – Sales Manager & Lead Marketing

The crucial point: execution beats knowledge

So, what remains of the SME Future Day 2026?

Not the next technology.
No new buzzwords.

But a clear realization:

The middle class does not have a knowledge problem. It has an implementation problem.

And that's exactly where we come in.

VALEO IT: Your Internal IT Department

As VALEO IT Services International GmbH, we see ourselves not as a classic service provider, but as an equal partner.

As your self-managed „internal IT department,“ we support you in bringing structure to your IT, reducing complexity, and enabling targeted growth.

Because sustainable growth doesn't come from more IT – but from the right organization of IT.

Start the conversation now

Do you want to know how your IT is really positioned?

Or how to enable growth without overburdening your IT infrastructure?

Then let's talk.

sales@valeo-it.com