The year 2021 was marked by major social challenges and changes. The pandemic had a massive impact on daily activities in the political, economic and social spheres. At the same time, digitalization became part of our personal and professional lives – including at the Bertelsmann Stiftung – to an even greater degree than in the past. As we carry out our work at the foundation, we therefore feel obliged to contribute to the public discourse using sound, evidence-based knowledge and initiatives.
In 2021, we presented in-depth analyses of social cohesion and how people have been affected by the pandemic. In addition, we drew attention to the potential inherent in digital innovations and the importance of sustainability for both business and society. Our work also clearly demonstrated how essential education is for society, and we contributed important new ideas in the area of health care. We participated in policy debates by publishing expert reports on the achievements of Germany’s outgoing government, the shift in attitudes in the country, and the expectations faced by the incoming government.
In the future, we will be pooling our multifaceted competencies more strategically and increasingly taking action across the entire foundation. We also want to initiate policy debates, highlight opportunities for progress and create the conditions that enable everyone to participate in society. In keeping with the beliefs of our founder, Reinhard Mohn, we want to “help make things better.”
In the past year, we made €66 million available for our nonprofit activities. Our 2021 Annual Report provides an overview of the resources we committed to our project work, while providing insights into the issues we are addressing at the foundation.
If you would like more detailed information about specific topics or projects, please feel free to contact our experts directly. We look forward to hearing from you!
