Strengthening Germany s Role in the Global Knowledge Society Meeting with the National Academies Board on Global Science and Technology (BGST) Thursday, June 21, 2012 Washington, D.C. Michael Vorländer Counselor (Science and Technology) Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Changed global science landscape: Never before have there been so many international networks Around the world, knowledge is regarded as a key resource for increased productivity and prosperity Dominance of OECD countries in science and research is experiencing a relative decline, former developing and emerging nations have become new partners and competitors Development of new centers of scientific excellence alongside traditional leading countries in science and innovation Changing geography of science and innovation in the world
Crucial question for Germany: How to maintain a competitive edge and remain an attractive location in an increasingly multipolar world? Germany clearly understands that science, technology, and education are key to competitiveness and sustainable economic growth German government is increasing its spending on education and research by more than 12 billion between 2010 and 2013 Aim: increase investments to 10 percent of GDP in research and education by 2015 (3 percent in research and 7 percent in education) In addition: substantial steps to strengthen competitiveness and economic growth on a long-term basis, particularly by modernizing and advancing Germany s science, innovation, and education system
High-Tech Strategy 2020 for Germany: Systemic approach to boost R&D and innovation in Germany Launched in August 2006, reaffirmed by the Cabinet in July 2010, and complemented by an action plan in March 2012 Five fields of action "Forward-looking projects"
High-Tech Strategy 2020 for Germany
Excellence Initiative and Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation Further examples of government efforts in Germany to boost science, technology, and education as crucial sources of future jobs and growth: Excellence Initiative Encouraging world-class university research and strengthening the profile of German universities Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation Supporting Germany s large science and research organizations (Helmholtz Association, Max Planck Society, Fraunhofer Society, Leibniz Association, German Research Foundation)
Strategy for the Internationalization of Science and Research Adopted by the Cabinet in February 2008 Serves as both a guide and a basis to include all stakeholders in the German science and innovation system Four main goals: 1. Strengthening research cooperation with global leaders 2. International exploitation of innovative potential 3. Intensifying the cooperation with developing countries in education, research, and development on a long-term basis 4. Assuming international responsibility and mastering global challenges
Strategy for the Internationalization of Science and Research Three generic measures: 1. Presence abroad 2. International monitoring 3. Promoting Germany as top location for higher education, research, and innovation
Summary: Germany as a reliable and highly attractive partner in the global knowledge society Germany is willing to take on more international responsibility and contribute more of its knowledge in order to help tackle the enormous challenges of the 21st century and to make the world a better place At the same time, Germany is living up to its role as a driver of efforts to further develop Europe into a modern, internationally competitive research area Final note: Global Research Council, next meeting in Berlin in May 2013, Brazil and Germany to co-host
Thank you for your attention! Contact information: Michael Vorländer wiss-2@wash.diplo.de