Facebook is a decisive economic factor in Europe

... says Facebook about itself

At the end of the DLD conference, Sheryl Sandberg presented new key figures on the influence of Facebook on the European economy. International study shows: Facebook creates an added value of 15,3 billion euros to European gross domestic product. Companies generate sales of 32 billion euros through activities on or with Facebook. In Germany, Facebook offers medium-sized companies in particular great growth potential: The economic added value here amounts to 2,6 billion euros for the gross domestic product.

Source graphic: obs/Facebook

   At the end of the DLD conference (Digital Life Design) in Munich, Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, presented a comprehensive study on the economic impact of Facebook in Europe. The research, conducted by Deloitte, highlights the great potential of the social platform for economic growth in Europe. The study shows that Facebook creates direct added value of 15,3 billion euros in Europe.

Companies can realize 32 billion euros in sales in Europe through Facebook activities. This is also reflected in jobs. Thanks to Facebook, more than 230.000 jobs have already been created. In Germany, the number of jobs created as a result of Facebook amounts to 36.000 according to the experts. Facebook contributes 2,6 billion euros to the gross domestic product in Germany.

"The study clearly shows that Facebook is much more than 'sharing pictures' and 'being in touch with friends'. The success of social media means growth and jobs," says Sheryl Sandberg. "The results of the Deloitte study are clear: Social networks offer special opportunities for small and medium-sized companies - the backbone of the European economy. Social media is a ray of hope in difficult economic times, but growth does not happen by itself.

Social media can only continue to promote innovation and economic growth if we invest in the right education and training, the necessary technologies and networks."

This is underpinned by a current representative survey by the Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media eV (BITKOM) and Facebook in Germany among small and medium-sized companies with more than 10 employees. 38 percent of companies active in social media stated that they saw clear economic growth due to their Facebook presence. 69 percent stated that they had significantly increased their level of awareness through Facebook.

In Munich, Sheryl Sandberg also met the traditional Bavarian costume house Angermaier. Trachten Angermaier has been designing modern and traditional costumes since 1963. The presence on Facebook has made sense for Managing Director Dr. Axel Munz and his team paid off. Eight new employees were also hired thanks to Facebook, and sales increased by almost 20 percent last year. "Facebook offers us the unique opportunity to get in direct contact with our customers, to draw attention to us and to recognize new trends and customer wishes immediately. It also makes it very easy for us to market our traditional costumes beyond borders. I like that." , Munz explains his activities on Facebook.

For more information on the Deloitte study, visit: ots.de/BE0nx

Source: Munich [ ots/Facebook ]