- 23 Dec, 2021
- Books
- By Roberto Ki
The Best Books on Engpasskonzentrierte Strategie (EKS)
EKS Strategy Books
Engpasskonzentrierte Strategie (EKS®), developed by Wolfgang Mewes, is one of the most influential strategy methods in the German-speaking world. Since the 1970s, numerous authors have adopted the principles of the EKS® in books, developed them further, and adapted them for various fields of application.
This collection provides an overview of the most important EKS books — from foundational works to specialized applications. Anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the 4 principles and 7 phases of the EKS® will find the right reading material here.
Recommended Reading Order
| Level | Book | For whom? |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Fokus finden (Friedrich) | Entrepreneurs who want to get started right away |
| Deep dive | Das große 1x1 der Erfolgsstrategie (Friedrich, Malik, Seiwert) | Anyone who wants to fully understand the method |
| Theory | Mit Nischenstrategie zur Marktführerschaft (Mewes) | Strategy consultants and advanced practitioners |
| Academic | Chancen und Risiken von Nischenstrategien (Rosenbaum) | Researchers and analysts |
List of EKS Strategy Books
Fokus finden: Erfolg durch engpasskonzentrierte Strategie — Kerstin Friedrich
Kerstin Friedrich demonstrates in this book how companies achieve disproportionate results through consistent focus on their target group’s bottleneck. The book is a practical introduction to the EKS® for beginners and advanced readers alike.
For whom: Entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for a quick, practice-oriented introduction to the EKS®.
Das große 1x1 der Erfolgsstrategie: EKS — Erfolg durch Spezialisierung
The standard reference work on the EKS®, written by Kerstin Friedrich, Fredmund Malik, and Lothar Seiwert. It combines the core principles of the EKS® with practical instructions and case studies.
Publisher's description of Das große 1x1 der Erfolgsstrategie
The book shows how companies, freelancers, and executives can apply the principles of the Engpasskonzentrierte Strategie to achieve maximum impact with minimum effort. The authors — three of the most distinguished strategy experts in the German-speaking world — combine theory and practice into a comprehensive guide for strategic specialization.
For whom: Anyone seeking a complete presentation of the EKS method with theory, practice, and case studies.
Erfolgreich durch Spezialisierung — Kerstin Friedrich
Another work by Kerstin Friedrich, specifically aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises. It shows how specialization becomes the decisive competitive advantage — even with limited resources.
For whom: SME owners and founders who want to sharpen their positioning.
Das neue 1 x 1 der Erfolgsstrategie
The updated edition of the classic, incorporating newer developments and current case studies. The fundamental structure remains intact, but the examples and contexts are tailored to today’s business world.
Mit Nischenstrategie zur Marktführerschaft — Wolfgang Mewes
Wolfgang Mewes’ own work in two volumes describes the path from niche strategy to market leadership. Volume 1 and Volume 2 together form the theoretical and practical foundation of the EKS®. Anyone who wants to learn the method directly from its creator should start here.
For whom: Strategy consultants and advanced practitioners who want to understand the theoretical roots of the EKS®.
Chancen und Risiken von Nischenstrategien — Michael Rosenbaum
An academic analysis of niche strategy focusing on opportunities and risks.
Publisher's description of Chancen und Risiken von Nischenstrategien
Michael Rosenbaum systematically examines under what conditions niche strategies succeed and when they fail. The book is aimed at entrepreneurs, consultants, and researchers seeking a nuanced understanding of specialization strategies.
For whom: Researchers and analysts looking for a critical assessment of niche strategies.
Conclusion on Engpasskonzentrierte Strategie Books
The EKS® literature offers the right book for every need: from a compact introduction to the comprehensive standard reference to academic analysis. Anyone who wants to understand and apply the Engpasskonzentrierte Strategie will find the necessary foundation in these books.
If you are at the stage of starting your strategy development, you should first familiarize yourself with the 7 phases of strategy development — and then decide whether the EKS® is the right framework for your own business strategy.
Related Books
Positionierung — das erfolgreichste Marketing auf unserem Planeten
By Peter Sawtschenko. This book complements the EKS® perspective with the marketing dimension: How do you position yourself so that the target group perceives you as the first provider?
Publisher's description of Positionierung
Peter Sawtschenko shows how companies stand out from the crowd through clear positioning. The book combines strategic positioning with concrete marketing methods and is an ideal complement to the Engpasskonzentrierte Strategie.
You can find additional resources on the EKS® in our PDF collection.
