In Baden-Württemberg, services play a crucial role for economic growth, employment and innovation.

Future trends such as e.g. digitisation as a cross-sectional technology and the internet industry with regard to the cultural and creative industries have a positive effect on the development of the service economy. Furthermore, demographic change gives a significant boost above all to the health and care services (health industry).

Future fields in services with high potential for innovation, growth and employment can also be found in the following sectors:

• Industry-related services, above all technology services, information and communication technology (ICT) services as well as product-related services
• Logistics and mobility services
• Sub-segments in the cultural and creative industries, above all software/games, architecture and design
• Health industry (health services including care)
• Education (above all advanced and further training) as well as childcare
• Planning and development services as well as consultancy and information services in the future field "sustainable economies" (e.g. in the energy efficiency sector)
• Tourism and leisure industry and also sport
• Household-related services

The European Service Directive (EU-DLR) was passed to improve the opportunities for freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services. The member states have implemented this directive through various measures, amongst other things by setting up so-called "Single Points of Contact" as contact offices for information and the processing of formal business start-up processes.

Tip: Detailed information on services listed from A to Z according to their activities can be found on our website under "Self-employment online" (Selbstständigkeit online). There you can read what rights and obligations you have and whom you should contact.