The study aims at developing a master plan for the "Mittelstand" (i.e., the group of small, medium-sized or family-owned businesses) in Baden-Wuerttemberg that can guide economic policy in supporting this group of firms. The study analyses of the strength and weaknesses of this group of businesses in Baden-Wuerttemberg and identifies main challenges these business face presently and in the upcoming future. Based on these findings, a vision of how the Mittelstand should evolve within a medium-term time horizon is being developed, as well as strategies and recommendations on how economic policy could realise this vision. A key element of the project is to involve relevant stakeholders in a comprehensive way based on a countrywide dialog process that includes surveys and regional workshops.