FHI Economic Barometer Q4 2025

The Economic Barometer FHI provides a quarterly overview of economic expectations within the four technology sectors. This barometer includes multiple indicators, such as revenue growth, order book, promising areas, and potential threats. The fourth quarter of 2025 (Q4) shows cautious optimism. All companies expect stable or slightly increasing revenue.

The Building Automation sector, in particular, is showing a clear improvement, while Industrial Automation and Electronics are reporting modest growth. Laboratory Technology remains stable, with a balance between growth and unchanged results. For the coming quarter, companies expect a stable or slightly improved order position, with most respondents indicating they do not anticipate any major declines.

Turnover: growth in electronics, stability in automation

Revenue trends are positive for Industrial Electronics, with the majority of companies reporting an increase. In other sectors, the picture is mixed: Industrial Automation and Laboratory Technology show a balance between growth, stability, and a slight decline. For Q4, companies in all sectors are predominantly expecting stable or slightly increasing revenue.

Tariffs and sales prices: mainly increased

In the second quarter, rates and sales prices rose in most sectors, particularly in Industrial Automation and Laboratory Technology. Only a small percentage of companies reported stable prices; decreases were rarely reported.

Opportunities: energy transition and reshoring

Companies see opportunities primarily in the energy transition and reshoring/nearshoring. In the Building Automation sector, all respondents consider the energy transition a promising development. Less frequently mentioned are improving business processes with AI and growth through e-commerce.

Threats: Geopolitics and Labor Shortages

The biggest threats to organizations currently are the war situation in Ukraine and geopolitical uncertainty, followed by labor shortages and economic uncertainty. Cybersecurity remains a concern, particularly in Industrial Automation and Industrial Electronics.

Many organizations are actively preparing for cyber threats, primarily by implementing cybersecurity measures. Labor shortages and economic uncertainty are also being addressed through recruitment strategies and flexible pricing policies. However, a significant number of companies indicate they have not made any specific preparations.

Professional development: skills shortages versus limited training resources

Within the professional development of employees, the shortage of specific skills, rapid technological change, and limited time and resources for training play a major role. There is a clear need for more industry- and sector-specific training courses that align with current innovations.

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