Today the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI) presented its 13th annual report to Chancellor Angela Merkel. Established by the German government, the commission analyzes the performance of the German research and innovation system and makes policy recommendations for improvement.
In addition to covering recent trends and future challenges related to the implementation of Germany’s “High-Tech Strategy 2025”, this year’s report focuses on three key areas that require policymakers’ attention:
Innovation in East Germany – 30 years after reunification: The eastern regions have largely caught up to the west in terms of overall innovativeness. Deficits still exist with regard to launching new activities and bringing innovations to market.
Cybersecurity: The threat of cyber attacks harms innovation. Germany lags behind other major industrial nations in terms of cybersecurity knowledge, experts, and innovative technology.
Knowledge and technology exchange between Germany and China: Germany needs to ensure fair competition in foreign direct investment, scrutinize acquisitions in technologically sensitive sectors, and strengthen China expertise. “Research institutions and firms, especially small and medium enterprises, need more people who are familiar not only with the Chinese language and culture, but also with the country’s markets, institutions, and political structures,“ says IZA research director Holger Bonin, who is a member of the EFI commission.
Read more in German.