Making Research and Innovation Policy a Priority
Public Events
21.03.2025
#ZEWLive on the 2025 Annual Report of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI)
In a new edition of the digital #ZEWLive series, Professor Irene Bertschek presented key findings and recommendations from this year’s EFI Report to an audience of over 200 viewers. Her presentation centred on recommendations for research and innovation policy aimed at the German federal government, which is currently being formed. In the ensuing dialogue with science journalist Jan-Martin Wiarda, the EFI recommendations were discussed in more detail.
Together with the five other commission members, Irene Bertschek, head of the “Digital Economy” Research Unit at ZEW Mannheim and deputy chair of the EFI Commission, had presented the report to Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the end of February. The annual report traditionally has two parts: It analyses current developments in the research and innovation system as well as the challenges associated with them, and it takes a closer look at a few core issues, this time including the topic of quantum technologies.
High potential in the field of quantum technologies
According to Bertschek, research and development activity in Germany has stagnated since 2019, which is worrying: Germany is increasingly lagging behind in key technologies, whereas countries like China, South Korea, Canada and the US are strongly positioned in digital technologies.
But Bertschek also pointed out that Germany is very well placed to take on the role of a global leader in quantum technologies. This would help to prevent dependence on other countries as is already the case with some digital technologies. In order not to jeopardise this status, important decisions need to be made today towards a European quantum ecosystem.
Germany needs a digital ministry in its own right
During the discussion Bertschek explained that the pace of digitalisation has been a pressing issue for years and that it is no longer just experts from the scientific community who are warning that Germany is falling behind. This was the reason why the EFI Commission repeated its call – made for the first time in 2021 – for a digital ministry in its own right. The ministry’s remit would be to set out and coordinate the broad guidelines for the digital transformation as well as create the necessary digital infrastructure.
Despite the existence of a Minister of State for Digitalisation under previous governments and the more recent establishment of a Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, digitalisation has, until now, not been given sufficient priority according to Bertschek. A digital ministry would not have to start from scratch: There are specialised sections in various departments whose work would be coordinated in one ministry. The ministry could start with the topics of infrastructure and regulation and gradually expand its activities.
Research data act vital for science
Bertschek also insisted that the new government needs to speedily finalise and adopt the research data act, which is already being drafted. She emphasised that data is the basis for science and a prerequisite for artificial intelligence in particular and that also the Living Labs act needs to be passed quickly. She concluded that, in principle, various regulations have already been well prepared, but now they should finally be implemented.
