37. Prof. Peter Kabel

Shownotes

37. Will India Be the Next China? With Prof. Peter Kabel, an investor in India and an expert on the country – The Power Shift Edition

What Can German Companies Learn from India?

In the Suits & Sneakers special edition “The Power Shift,” podcast host Harald R. Fortman speaks with renowned experts about the greatest economic powers of our time – and what we can learn from them. This episode focuses on India – a country that is often underestimated and rarely truly understood. India is the world’s most populous democracy, with strong growth, a vast talent pool, and a young population. At the same time, however, it is a country full of contradictions, structural challenges, and enormous complexity. For some, India is the “next China.” For others, it’s a market that’s too difficult, too slow, or too chaotic.

Which of these views is really accurate? What is actually driving India’s economy? And above all: What does India’s rise mean for German companies, for leadership – and for our conception of growth and competitiveness?

Harald R. Fortmann discusses these topics with Prof. Peter Kabel, a serial entrepreneur, professor at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, long-time investor in Indian startups, and expert on the Indian digital ecosystem. The conversation focuses on the country’s tremendous dynamism, its demographic advantages, the significance of its domestic market, and the role of the Indian startup and digital ecosystem.

At the same time, Prof. Peter Kabel explains why India is often difficult for Western companies to navigate: The country is characterized by diversity, contradictions, regional differences, and structural challenges. The digital pioneer explains why India is not the “next China,” why German executives often approach the market with false expectations, and why patience, relationship-building, and cultural understanding are crucial to truly capitalizing on the opportunities of this growth market.

Overview of the Contents of this Episode:

• India is not a unified market, but highly fragmented
• Growth is driven primarily by demographics and the domestic market
• Dynamic growth does not automatically lead to widespread employment
• E-commerce and digitalization are significantly changing market access
• Manufacturing, automotive, and tech are gaining in importance
• AI presents both opportunities and risks, particularly for the IT outsourcing sector
• Entrepreneurship is characterized by resilience and pragmatism
• India is not a “second China,” but a distinct “system”
• German companies often fail due to flawed thinking patterns
• Success requires patience, relationships, and cultural understanding

Further Links:

• Prof. Peter Kabel on LinkedIn
• Cogniwerk AI Website
• Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg Website
• Harald R. Fortmann on LinkedIn
• Harald R. Fortmann on Instagram
• Five14 Website
• Suits & Sneakers Podcast on LinkedIn
• Suits & Sneakers Podcast on Instagram

About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the Suits & Sneakers special series “The Power Shift,” podcast host Harald R. Fortman speaks with renowned experts about the greatest economic powers of our time – and what we can learn from them.

About Five14‍

Five14 is an executive search boutique that connects companies with individuals who shape change. From digital transformation to the age of AI, we identify executives who combine technological expertise, strategic vision, and cultural leadership.

Traditional “post and pray” recruiting no longer works here. Five14 stands for a new kind of search: targeted, discreet, networked, and always on equal footing. Our team - multiple award-winning consultants with decades of experience in marketing, sales, and corporate management in the digital industry - supports start-ups, medium-sized companies, and corporations in actively shaping the working world of tomorrow.

We make an impact, not just fill positions. As partners to our clients, we act openly, transparently, and in accordance with the principles of proper personnel consulting (BDU). Sustainability and social commitment are firmly anchored in our DNA: Since our founding, we have been climate-neutral and invest 14% of our profits in social projects.

Five14 – Executive Search for leaders who shape the future.

About this podcast production

• The intro voice-over for the podcast was recorded by CHÉRINE DE BRUIN‍
• The Deininger podcast “Suits & Sneakers” is a TON.EINS production.