FHI Barometer results Q2 2026

The technology sectors within FHI once again show a predominantly positive picture in the second quarter of 2026. Industrial automation and industrial electronics, in particular, report strong growth in order volume and revenue compared to the same quarter last year. Laboratory technology remains more mixed. For building automation, the number of respondents is too low to draw reliable conclusions.

Order position and revenue: strong recovery in multiple sectors

The order book developed clearly positively in Q2 within industrial electronics and industrial automation. Laboratory technology shows a mixed picture: improvement, stability, and deterioration occur almost equally often.

Revenue development is also positive. Industrial automation stands out: nearly three-quarters of companies realized revenue growth. Industrial electronics follows with over two-thirds positive responses. Laboratory technology remains more divided.

Outlook: positive, but more moderate than the realized figures

For the coming quarter, companies remain, on balance, positive about their order book and revenue, but confidence is less pronounced than in the review of Q2. In several sectors, the picture is shifting towards stabilization: many companies expect the same order book or revenue compared to last year.

Industrial electronics remains relatively optimistic about the order book, while laboratory technology is more positive about expected revenue. Here too, the overall picture remains positive, but more moderate than the actual figures.

Price development: increase remains the norm

Rates and sales prices rose again in Q2. This picture is visible across the sector. Laboratory technology reports the strongest price increase, with eight out of ten companies indicating higher prices. Price increases also predominate in industrial electronics and industrial automation.

Falling prices are rare. As a result, price pressure remains a structural issue within the technology sectors.

Opportunities: AI, energy transition, and service prominent

The most important opportunities lie in:

• improving business processes with AI
• energy transition
• service and maintenance

AI is widely viewed as an opportunity, particularly in industrial electronics and laboratory technology. Additionally, the energy transition remains a key driver, especially in industrial automation. Service and maintenance are particularly relevant within industrial automation and laboratory technology.

Threats: geopolitics, economy, and raw materials weigh on sentiment

The biggest risks for companies are:

• war and geopolitical threat
• economic uncertainty
• raw material shortages and labor market tightness

Geopolitical and economic uncertainty are felt particularly strongly in laboratory technology and industrial electronics. In industrial electronics, the high impact of raw material shortages is also striking.

Preparation: cybersecurity receives the most attention

Cybersecurity stands out most in threat preparedness. Companies across all sectors take measures for this relatively frequently. Conversely, preparation for geopolitical risks and pandemics is more limited.

Key Outlook Q2 2026

• Predominantly positive growth in order book and revenue
• Industrial electronics and industrial automation remain strong
• Laboratory technology presents a mixed, but not negative picture.
• Expectations remain positive, but point more often to stabilization.
• Price increases remain widely visible
• AI, energy transition, and services are the main opportunities; geopolitics, the economy, and raw materials are the greatest risks.

A A complete overview of the Economic Barometer can be found here.

We continue to closely monitor developments and will continue to provide our members with the most up-to-date and relevant information.