Suchergebnisse

[Foreword .] Chapter A 1 is dedicated to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the innovation activities of companies. For the majority of German companies, the current crisis situation negatively affects ongoing or planned innovation projects. In the Commission of Experts' opinion, the crisis can also act as a catalyst for the transition to new technologies and thus improve Germany's long-term competitiveness. This assumes that economic stimulus programmes and growth policy measures are designed with R&I in mind. In chapter A 2, the Commission of Experts comments on the Federal Government's research and innovation policy measures of the past year. It appreciates that the establishment of the Future Fund improves the financial framework conditions for the provision of venture and growth capital. It also welcomes the promotion of future technologies such as hydrogen and quantum technology within the framework of the Future Package. At the same time, it suggests accompanying measures to increase the effectiveness of key R&I policy initiatives launched in 2020. Although overcoming the COVID-19 crisis will be a key task for the new Federal Government in the coming legislative period, R&I policy must continue to be prioritized. In chapter A 3, the Commission of Experts names five priorities that should guide R&I policy in the next legislative period. These are: 'Addressing Grand Societal Challenges', 'Catching Up and Avoiding Technological Gaps', 'Securing the Skilled Labour Base', 'Increasing Innovation Participation', and 'Increasing the Agility of R&I Policy'. R&I policy has the responsibility to contribute to addressing the grand societal challenges and to initiate transformative change. As the policy approach of New Mission Orientation supports this, the Commission of Experts advocates in chapter B 1 that the Federal Government should give greater attention to this policy approach in a marketoriented version. The successful implementation of New Mission Orientation requires agile policy making. The Commission of Experts welcomes that R&I policy has already become more agile in recent years but calls on the Federal Government to incorporate agility in political action even more systematically. In chapter B 2, the Commission of Experts analyses how the system of vocational and continuing education and training (VET/CET) must change to keep pace with changing competence requirements due to digital transformation. To secure employment and realize innovation potentials, it is necessary to adapt VET to the requirements of the digitalized world of work and to strengthen job-related CET. The Commission of Experts recommends strengthening occupational adaptability by expanding flexible additional qualifications, providing sufficient resources for higher-quality CET programmes, and additionally promoting preventive adaptation qualifications. It moreover welcomes initiatives for the comprehensive monitoring of occupational skills in support of more tailored VET/CET. In chapter B 3, the Commission of Experts looks at the gene scissors CRISPR/Cas, a new tool for gene editing, and its use for medical purposes. Measured by the number of publications, Germany occupies a good position in CRISPR/Cas research in an international comparison. However, Germany falls behind when key performance indicators in the application and commercialization of this technology are considered. To be able to exploit untapped potential in the translation of research results into application, the framework conditions for approval procedures and the provision of private venture and growth capital must be improved and interdisciplinary cooperation and working groups must be promoted.

[Foreword .] The Commission of Experts has selected the following topics for the five chapters of its current Annual Report: In chapter A 1, the Commission of Experts acknowledges measures taken by the Federal Government last year to implement the High-Tech Strategy 2025. Two new instruments of research and innovation policy have been created with the introduction of tax incentives for research and the establishment of the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation. Implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy has begun and should be pursued vigorously. In 2019, the Federal Government and the Länder reached important agreements in the field of science policy, and these are discussed in chapter A 2. The Commission of Experts supports the increased importance being assigned to the transfer of knowledge and technology in the fourth Pact for Research and Innovation. It welcomes the fact that the 'Contract on the Future Strengthening of Studying and Teaching' was concluded for an unlimited period. However, the Commission of Experts warns against allowing the number of permanent non-professorial academic employment relationships to grow disproportionately when implementing the Contract on the Future. To mark the 30th anniversary of German reunification, in chapter B 1 the Commission of Experts examines the innovation activities of companies in east and west Germany, taking structural differences into account. The result is that the innovation activities of east German companies have converged with that of west German companies. However, they are still behind when it comes to launching innovation activities or introducing innovations to the market. The Commission of Experts recommends that companies not engaging in research and development should be more closely integrated into research and innovation funding and supported in bringing innovations to market. In chapter B 2, the Commission of Experts analyses the relationship between cybersecurity and innovation. This reveals that cyber threats have a negative impact on corporate innovation activities. Furthermore, cybersecurity is itself the subject of innovation activities. Measured in terms of the number of patent applications, Germany is a long way behind the USA, China and Japan. In particular, the Federal Government should promote the teaching of cybersecurity skills, secure digital infrastructures, promote R&I activities in cybersecurity, and support small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing cybersecurity measures. In chapter B 3, the Commission of Experts examines the exchange of knowledge and technology between Germany and China. There is concern in Germany that knowledge and technology exchange with China will lead to a one-sided outflow of know-how and thus weaken Germany's scientific and economic performance. In order to prevent this happening, the Federal Government should work to achieve a level playing field in direct investment, examine takeovers in the field of sensitive technologies more carefully, and improve overall knowledge about China in Germany.

[Foreword] After a delayed start, the Federal Government has presented numerous plans for research and innovation policy in the new legislative period. The Commission of Experts comments on some of the most significant plans in chapter A 1. In the new High-Tech Strategy 2025, the Federal Government has once again committed itself to the target of spending 3.5 percent of gross domestic product on R&D by 2025. However, the funds currently budgeted are not sufficient to meet this target. The Commission of Experts therefore once again calls for the introduction of tax-based support for R&D, focused on SMEs. It also recommends that the Federal Government grants considerable freedom to the proposed Agency for Disruptive Innovations. Unless it is granted independence from political control, the agency will be unable to meet the expectations placed upon it. The Federal Government's Artificial Intelligence Strategy (chapter A 2) documents the high regard in which it holds this field of research. The funding volume of €3 billion (by 2025) appears to be appropriate. The current version of the AI Strategy, however, remains vague on numerous points and must be substantiated without delay. The Commission of Experts expressly warns against adopting a scatter-gun approach to research funding. However, the Commission of Experts considers a wide-ranging transfer of knowledge to be necessary. It supports the systematic expansion of European collaborations so that, as part of the association of EU partner countries, Germany can keep pace with the USA and China as the leading nations in the field of AI research. In chapter A 3, the Commission of Experts examines the funding structures implemented by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG), Germany's largest research funding organization, and compares them with those of key research funding organizations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA. This examination shows that the DFG places strong emphasis on funding programmes intended to foster collaboration and structural development. It also highlights that the average funding provided by the DFG for new single project applications is comparatively low, and the average funding duration relatively short. The Commission of Experts suggests that a review be conducted to examine whether the high weighting given to structural funding formats should be adjusted in favour of single project funding. In chapter B 1, the Commission of Experts acknowledges the importance of start-ups in the innovation system. In Germany, a vibrant start-up scene has developed in recent years that is highly concentrated in regional terms. To promote globally visible start-up ecosystems, it is important not to counteract this geographical concentration but, instead, to expand existing and emerging ecosystems. Start-ups in Germany - particularly those in the growth phase - still have problems in accessing sufficient venture capital. With this in mind, the conditions for private investments in start-ups must be further improved; in particular, incentives should be created to encourage institutional investors to invest more heavily in start-ups. In chapter B 2, the Commission of Experts investigates the contribution that research and innovation policy can make to the energy transition. Important innovative technologies and business models for decarbonisation of the German energy system are already market-ready, or will be so in the near future. However, their diffusion is hampered by CO2 prices set too low as well as by regulatory requirements. In order to remove these barriers, taxes and levies on energy across all sectors of the economy should be geared to the damage energy sources inflict on the environment or to their CO2 content. To avoid putting the success of the energy transition at risk, political actors should structure potential reforms in a socially sustainable manner - without curtailing the steering effect of climate-protection measures. In chapter B 3, the Commission of Experts discusses blockchain technologies, which provide an immutable, forgery-proof way to store and transfer digital data. Germany is well positioned to exploit the economic and social potential of such technologies. However, it is important to promote the use and further development of blockchain technologies with a flexible regulatory framework, such as by setting up regulatory test beds. It will also be necessary to develop skills and knowledge in society and administration in order to reliably assess the opportunities and risks involved in the use of these technologies. In chapter B 4, the Commission of Experts analyses the digitalization of German tertiary education (TE) institutions. The German TE institutions surveyed ascribe a high level of importance to digitalization, but this is yet to be reflected in the level of digitalization achieved. The Commission of Experts therefore considers there to be significant potential for development, especially in the areas of teaching and administration. The governance structures currently in place in TE institutions hamper the progress of the digitalization process. To ensure that digitalization can succeed on the whole, TE institutions must continue to modernize their administration. The Commission of Experts recommends supporting TE institutions in this process by introducing a lump-sum digitalization payment. [.]

[Foreword] Germany is economically well positioned at the beginning of 2018. The federal budget shows a substantial surplus, and the German economy is regarded as an anchor of stability in the euro zone. Many factors have contributed to this success. One important cause is the high level of investment in research and innovation by the private and public sectors in recent years. Expenditure on research and innovation is an investment in the future, especially in times of rapid technological and economic change. The Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation therefore recommends that the new Federal Government invest more in science, research and innovation in order to secure Germany's role as a leading economic nation in the future. In its 2018 report, the Commission of Experts sets out the aspects that should be taken into account in this context and points to the need to act quickly and decisively. [.]

[Foreword] In 2017, the Commission of Experts on Research and Innovation is submitting its 10th Annual Report. This is an opportunity to review the last ten years of German research and innovation policy (R&I policy). The Commission of Experts identifies fundamental developments in R&I policy, acknowledges important advances, and develops key recommendations for action with regard to upcoming challenges. In the election year 2017, it is even more important to provide citizens with information on clearly defined options for R&I-policy measures over the next legislative periods. The Commission of Experts wishes to make a contribution to this end. In the introductory chapter A0, the Commission of Experts identifies challenges for R&I policy and derives objectives for the year 2025: an increase in research and development (R&D) expenditure to 3.5 percent of the gross domestic product (3.5 percent target); a significant improvement in the international visibility of German universities; doubling the amount of venture capital available in Germany; a leading international position in the field of digital infrastructure; doubling the share of funds allocated to research and knowledge transfer in the domain of digital change; and a leading position in Europe in the field of e-government. The Commission of Experts describes sets of measures for six important fields of activity that can boost Germany's innovative strength: the science system (Chapter A 1), the transfer of knowledge and technology (A 2), innovation in established companies (A 3), entrepreneurship (A 4), governance of the R&I system (A 5), and digital change (A 6). Detailed analyses of the respective fields of activity are presented, and proposals are substantiated, in the corresponding chapters B 1 to B 6. Furthermore, the Commission of Experts submits two proposals on R&D funding through tax credits (Chapter B 7). Following an analysis of existing quantitative studies of R&D funding through tax credits in important countries, the Commission of Experts arrives at a positive recommendation: when designed appropriately, R&D tax credits are effective and lead to an increase in corporate R&D spending, particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The introduction of such a funding instrument in Germany would be a sensible measure. According to the Commission of Experts, two proposals should be on the short list: a tax credit on income tax proportional to a company's internal R&D expenditures, or a tax credit on wage tax calculated on the basis of the R&D personnel costs incurred. [.]

[Foreword] In its analyses and recommendations the 2016 Report of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation addresses current developments (A chapters), presents a series of detailed studies (B chapters), and documents the development of Germany's research and innovation system on the basis of eight groups of indicators (C chapters). [.] The Commission of Experts reiterates its assessment that digitisation, connectedness and the introduction of new internet-based business models cause disruptive changes. In the light of the experience gained in the 1980s, it is confident that Germany can do well when it comes to making the necessary adjustments to the labour market. Overall, however, German political decision-makers are currently too intent on defending established German strengths. The creative possibilities of digitisation are not being given sufficient consideration. In future, Germany needs to be more involved in opening up new sources of value creation and jobs - this will also require some rethinking among political decision-makers.

In their Annual Report 2013, the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation presents current analyses, assessments and recommendations on designing the German research and innovation system. With regard to its R&I policies, Germany has made substantial progress, which has been highly acknowledged internationally. In 2011, Germany almost reached the three-percent target for national R&D intensity. Research and innovation of German companies contributed significantly to the stabilisation of the German labour market and to Germany's continuing export success. Science organisations and tertiary education institutions are benefitting from the measures implemented in recent years. To stay on this road to success, Germany will have to strengthen research and innovation also in the future. Yet there are not only successes to be recorded. Not all of the objectives for the ongoing legislative period have been met: although the introduction of R&D tax credits and improved conditions for venture capital had been enshrined in the Federal Government's coalition agreement, these measures have not been implemented. Besides this, there are pressing political tasks relating to organising cooperation between the Federal and state governments (Länder), as well as pressing issues in other policy areas.

In their Annual Report 2012, the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation once again addresses current developments in Germany and presents detailed analyses of core topics relating to research and innovation policies. Although Germany fell short of the three-percent target, the country's research and development (R&D) intensity has systematically increased over the last years. Yet, in the long term, the Federal Government should aim at thinking beyond the three-percent target. For the year 2020, it should strive for more ambitious goals than it has previously. On a European scale, a considerable gap in productivity can be observed. The present crisis of the European Union (EU) provides a perfect illustration of this fact. In collaboration with its European partners, the Federal Government should be committed to strengthen the innovative power of the entire European region. At the same time, the attractiveness of Germany as an R&D location should be further improved. R&D tax credits are, and will continue to be, a useful measure for achieving this. The Energy Transition that was launched by the Federal Government in the early summer of 2011 poses new challenges to Germany, but it also offers interesting economic perspectives. Yet, at this point in time the Expert Commission can only see reserved reactions within the German research system.

In addition to discussing current trends and requirements for reform in the Federal Government's research and innovation policy, in its 2011 report the Commission focuses on four main points. In Chapter B 1, firstly, it discusses the tensions between Federal and Länder competencies in education, research and innovation policy. It calls for elimination of the prohibition on competition in education policy and for introduction of consistent distribution of responsibilities between the Federal Government and the Länder for financing of all nonuniversity research institutions. In Chapter B 2 the Expert Commission considers the European dimension of research and innovation, which has been gaining importance since 2000. It recommends that the Federal Government take a stronger role in the European co-ordination process – Germany must lead in the area of research and innovation, if it is to play a useful role in shaping the European Research Area. In Chapter B 3, the Expert Commission comments on the discussion relative to network neutrality. For the sake of innovation, it is vital that the Internet remains open in this regard – and the Expert Commission would like to see the Federal Government play a more active role on behalf of network neutrality. In Chapter B 4, the Expert Commission considers the still largely ignored role of those innovators who succeed even without undertaking research activities. Innovation processes do not conform to simple logical rules. Consequently, research and innovation policy concepts must be open, able to provide latitude for innovators without research and development (R&D) of their own. In its report, the Expert Commission again notes that the idea of introducing tax-based R&D support urgently needs to return to the political agenda. Similar priority needs to be given to providing a legal framework for business angels and venture-capital providers; such a framework is still lacking. Over the past few years, a good basis has been created for the development of Germany's research and innovation sector. But if lasting growth and prosperity are to assured in Germany, research and innovation in Germany will have to be additionally and substantially reinforced.

In this third report, the following five topics are addressed in detail. First, the Expert Commission analyses the overall structure of the German innovation system and in particular the role of non-university research (Section B 1). It then presents an interim assessment of the Bologna Process, which is currently the subject of lively public debate (Section B 2). Twenty years after German reunification, research and innovation policies in eastern Germany are reviewed (Section B 3). The Expert Commission also considers Germany's technological performance in the field of electromobility (Section B 4), and comments on the efforts of the European Commission to introduce a European Union patent and a unified patent court system (Section B 5). Highest priorities for the Federal Government should be the introduction of R&D tax support, improvements to the conditions for Business Angels and venture capital, and the systematic improvement of Germany's education and research systems. Broad tax advantages for companies and individual tax-payers are no substitute for these urgently needed measures. Instruments which have been shown to have failed, such as the research premium, should be abandoned. Germany continues to do well in terms of creativity, inventiveness and openness to innovations. Despite financial constraints it is important to target investments in order to maintain and expand these strengths. ; In diesem dritten Gutachten werden die folgenden fünf Themenschwerpunkte ausführlich behandelt. Die Expertenkommission analysiert die Gesamtstruktur des deutschen Innovationssystems und dabei insbesondere die Rolle der außeruniversitären Forschung (Kapitel B 1). Sie stellt eine Zwischenbilanz der Bologna-Reform vor, die derzeit in der Öffentlichkeit kontrovers diskutiert wird (Kapitel B 2). 20 Jahre nach der Wiedervereinigung zieht sie ein Resümee der Forschungs- und Innovationspolitik in Ostdeutschland (Kapitel B 3). Die Expertenkommission setzt sich zudem kritisch mit der technologischen Leistungsfähigkeit Deutschlands im Bereich der Elektromobilität auseinander (Kapitel B 4) und kommentiert die Bemühungen der Europäischen Kommission um die Einführung des Gemeinschaftspatents und einer vereinheitlichten europäischen Patentgerichtsbarkeit (Kapitel B 5). Für die Bundesregierung sollten die Einführung der steuerlichen FuE-Förderung, die Verbesserung der Rahmenbedingungen für Business Angels und Wagniskapital und die systematische Arbeit an Verbesserungen des deutschen Bildungs- und Forschungssystems höchste Priorität haben. Generelle steuerliche Vergünstigungen für Unternehmen und Bürger sind kein Ersatz für diese dringend benötigten Maßnahmen. Nachweislich erfolglose Instrumente wie die Forschungsprämie sollten eingestellt werden. Hinsichtlich Kreativität, Erfindergeist und Innovationsbereitschaft schneidet Deutschland weiterhin gut ab. Trotz finanzieller Engpässe muss nun gezielt in den Erhalt und Ausbau dieser Stärken investiert werden.

On behalf of the German Federal Government, the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation presents its second report. This was originally intended to be a "short" report, in which the key indicators of research and development were up-dated and commented on. However, the Expert Commission has decided to do much more than this, and recommends a series of measures to further strengthen the innovation potential of Germany. In particular in the present economic difficulties, research and innovation policies have a central role to play. The challenges faced are varied and were already named in the EFI Report 2008. The conditions for the financing of innovations are still not ideal in Germany. The weaknesses of the educational system are already having negative consequences and in the medium- term could represent an existential threat to the innovation potential. The high degree of specialisation in a few manufacturing sectors is an expression of the particular German strengths, but it also creates dependencies and risks. Because research and innovation policies are only effective over the medium- to long-term, these problems cannot be solved within a short period of time. But politicians must act more rapidly than in the past. The opportunity of introducing fiscal support for research and development has unfortunately not been seized, and the measures introduced by the Federal Government to improve investment financing are not at all convincing. In this second report we consider other fields of action: the intensification of knowledge and technology transfer, increasing the attractiveness of science as an employment opportunity, and the promotion of innovation processes in small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular in sectors of the knowledge-intensive services. The shortage of qualified personnel is beginning to represent a threat to the innovative potential of Germany. We urgently need to develop our universities and research institutions and to adopt intelligent, targeted immigration policies. The Expert Commission also considers the questions relating to the implementation of the Second Recovery Package. This requires particularly rapid and effective action. ; Die im Auftrag der deutschen Bundesregierung tätige Expertenkommission Forschung und Innovation legt hiermit ihr zweites Gutachten vor. Nach der Abfolge der Gutachten sollte es eigentlich ein 'kurzes' Gutachten sein, in dem zentrale Indikatoren von Forschung und Entwicklung fortgeschrieben und kommentiert werden. Die Expertenkommission hat sich entschlossen, weit mehr als das zu leisten, und empfiehlt eine Reihe von Maßnahmen zur weiteren Stärkung der Innovationskraft Deutschlands. Gerade in der heutigen, wirtschaftlich schwierigen Zeit muss die Forschungs- und Innovationspolitik eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Die Herausforderungen sind vielfältig und im Gutachten 2008 bereits benannt worden. Die Rahmenbedingungen für die Finanzierung von Innovationen sind in Deutschland weiterhin nicht optimal. Die Schwächen des Bildungssystems wirken sich bereits jetzt negativ aus und können mittelfristig zu einer existenziellen Bedrohung der Innovationsfähigkeit werden. Die hochgradige Spezialisierung auf wenige Branchen der Industrie ist ein Ausdruck besonderer deutscher Stärken, schafft aber auch Abhängigkeiten und Risiken. Da Forschungs- und Innovationspolitik mittel- und langfristig greift, können diese Probleme nicht innerhalb kurzer Zeit gelöst werden. Die Politik muss aber zügiger als bisher handeln. Die Möglichkeit der Einführung einer steuerlichen Förderung von Forschung und Entwicklung ist leider noch nicht wahrgenommen worden, und die von der Bundesregierung verabschiedeten Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Beteiligungsfinanzierung überzeugen in keiner Weise. In diesem zweiten Gutachten sprechen wir weitere Handlungsfelder an: die Intensivierung des Wissens- und Technologietransfers, die Steigerung der Attraktivität des Arbeitsmarktes Wissenschaft sowie die Förderung von Innovationsprozessen in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen, insbesondere in Branchen der wissensintensiven Dienstleistungen. Der Fachkräftemangel wird zu einer Bedrohung der Innovationskraft Deutschlands. Dringend brauchen wir den Ausbau unserer Hochschulen und eine kluge, gezielte Einwanderungspolitik. Die Expertenkommission widmet sich auch Fragen der Umsetzung des Konjunkturpakets II. Hier bedarf es besonders schnellen und nachhaltigen Handelns.

Research and innovation are extremely important for Germany. New insights are generated by research, and new ways of creating value are opened up by technical, organisational, and other innovations. Production, value-creation and employment tend to increase much more in companies which are highly innovative. The public sector can become more efficient and customer-oriented through the implementation of innovations, which also have a positive influence on people's welfare and their quality of life. Against this background, Germany's politicians have increasingly been considering how best to promote research and innovation, and where the country ranks in the international innovation contest. The Federal Government of Germany therefore decided in 2006 to establish an independent Commission of Experts on Research and Innovation (EFI), with the remit to analyse the structures, trends, performance, and prospects of the German research and innovation system, and to formulate policy recommendations for its further development. This report is the result of our work to achieve this goal. ; Forschung und Innovation (F&I) sind für Deutschland von herausragender Bedeutung. Durch Forschung werden neue Erkenntnisse geschaffen, durch Innovationen – technische, organisatorische oder andere Neuerungen – werden neue Formen der Wertschöpfung erschlossen. In innovationsstarken Unternehmen wachsen Produktion, Wertschöpfung und Beschäftigung in weitaus stärkerem Maß als in innovationsschwachen. Der öffentliche Sektor kann durch Innovationen an Effizienz und Kundenorientierung gewinnen. Wohlstand und Lebensqualität der Menschen werden durch Innovationen positiv beeinflusst. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt sich für die Politik zunehmend die Frage, wie sie Forschung und Innovation fördern kann und welche Position Deutschland im internationalen Innovationswettbewerb einnimmt. Die Bundesregierung hat deshalb im Jahr 2006 die Einrichtung einer unabhängigen Expertenkommission Forschung und Innovation (EFI) beschlossen. Sie hat die Aufgabe, Strukturen, Trends, Leistungsfähigkeit und Perspektiven des deutschen Forschungs- und Innovationssystems zu analysieren sowie Handlungsempfehlungen für dessen Weiterentwicklung zu erarbeiten. Das hiermit vorgelegte Gutachten ist das zentrale Instrument zur Erfüllung dieser Aufgabe.