Bundestag Weekly Update
In a bid to maintain its global competitiveness and drive economic growth, Germany has unveiled its Future Strategy for Research and Innovation. This ambitious plan, encompassing AI, quantum technologies, and other deep tech fields, aims to transform research into practical, scalable technologies by 2030.
The strategy is built on a national AI strategy, the High-Tech Strategy, and Germany's national AI strategy, which targets AI contributing to 10% of the country's GDP by 2030. The High-Tech Agenda Deutschland elevates six key technologies: quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, microelectronics, fusion & climate-neutral energy, and climate-neutral mobility.
Germany plans to accelerate the translation of research and development into commercialized products, particularly in quantum computing, where it aims to develop at least two error-corrected quantum computers accessible to industry and academia by 2030. Initiatives in quantum sensing, communication, and networking include disease-detection pilots, expanding quantum communication programs, and achieving key technical milestones like quantum repeater demonstrations by 2028.
The government has committed to investing at least 3.5% of GDP annually over five years in critical technologies, encompassing AI, quantum computing, and robotics. This investment is aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and stimulating private investment, with a strategic push to make Germany an attractive destination for capital investments.
The implementation of these missions will be overseen by mission teams, a new form of interministerial cooperation. In 2025, the progress of the missions will be reviewed in a monitoring process.
Apart from this, the German government is also focusing on promoting an inclusive labor market. The 88th Session discusses a draft bill for promoting an inclusive labor market, aiming to enable more people with disabilities to take up regular employment. The draft bill aims to abolish the cap on the wage subsidy that companies receive from the Federal Employment Agency for employing people with disabilities.
The strategy also addresses environmental concerns, with a law being voted on for the implementation of the EU Directive on the reduction of environmental impacts of certain plastic products. The law includes certain plastic products like cigarette filters, beverage cups, and packaging for food intended for immediate consumption. A central point of contact for people with disabilities or limited mobility is planned to register their need for assistance when boarding, alighting, or transferring, regardless of which trains they are traveling with.
The spatial planning procedure for large infrastructure projects must be completed at the latest after six months. A debate is taking place on the Government Bill for strengthening digitization in the building permit procedure, aiming to modernize and accelerate the procedure for drawing up building development plans through digital participation.
In addition, the bill proposes a fourth tier of the compensation levy for employers who do not employ a severely disabled person despite the employment obligation, with "zero-employers" paying more. The funds from the compensation levy will be fully invested in employment promotion on the general labor market.
The EU emergency regulation is being implemented with the ROG, providing for a significant acceleration of procedures for the expansion of onshore wind energy, offshore wind energy, and offshore grid connections and power grids. The ROG is being amended to accelerate infrastructure expansion, including digitalization of participation procedures in the preparation of spatial planning plans.
The 87th Session discusses the "Future Strategy for Research and Innovation" presented by the federal government, which aims to realign research and innovation policy across ministries to address major challenges like climate protection, digitalization, and energy supply.
In a separate development, the Bundestag discusses a Draft Bill of the Federal Government to adapt the General Railway Act to a Regulation of the European Union, focusing on safeguarding the rights and obligations of passengers in rail transport. Passengers should be provided with a barrier-free electronic communication option to submit applications for fare reimbursements or compensation digitally.
Lastly, Germany continues to play an active role in international affairs. The German Armed Forces provide ships and aircraft to create a comprehensive situational picture for the Mediterranean and monitor the sea. Germany provides advisory, liaison, and observation officers, as well as personnel in the mission's command staff, and support in technical equipment, mine clearance, and training of troop-contributing nations and the United Nations.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) continues to play a key role in maintaining peace and securing peace, and paving the way for elections in 2025. The mandate for the maritime security operation "SEA GUARDIAN" is proposed to be extended until March 31, 2024.
In conclusion, Germany's Future Strategy for Research and Innovation is a comprehensive approach that integrates substantial public and private investment to prioritize AI, quantum technologies, and other deep tech fields, aiming to transform research into practical, scalable technologies and maintain Germany’s global competitiveness by 2030.
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- The Future Strategy for Research and Innovation in Germany encompasses the sectors of science, technology, and environmental-science, as it targets AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, microelectronics, fusion & climate-neutral energy, and climate-neutral mobility.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the strategy includes initiatives in quantum sensing, communication, and networking, with disease-detection pilots and expanding quantum communication programs.
- Policy-and-legislation plays a significant role in this strategy, as the government commits to investing in critical technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and robotics, and adapting the General Railway Act to a Regulation of the European Union.
- The strategy also addresses climate-change, with the implementation of the EU Directive on the reduction of environmental impacts of certain plastic products, and a focus on renewable energy sources such as onshore wind energy and offshore wind energy.
- On a global scale, the strategy is not limited to domestic issues; Germany continues to be actively involved in international affairs, providing resources for peacekeeping missions and monitoring the Mediterranean.
