Minister Stark-Watzinger, what are the key questions and tasks facing science and research?
We live in difficult times: after the stress caused by the corona pandemic, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences pose important additional tasks to us. We must reduce dependencies and strengthen our position in international competition, even in view of new dangers. In the future it will be important to find good answers to the pressing questions of the time even faster and to apply them without detours. The progress we have made in the corona pandemic, for example by developing a detection method and vaccines in record time, must also be successful in other challenges such as climate change.
That’s why we focus on research and innovation, such as new energy technologies, green hydrogen and fusion. Likewise, we want to focus on our values when it comes to digital change, making better use of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and advancing quantum technologies.
What decisions are needed in 2023?
Education, research and innovation are crucial foundations for economic, social and technological progress. However, the shortage of skilled workers endangers the growth and prosperity of our country. Without enough skilled workers, it will not be possible to tackle major challenges such as the digital revolution or the fight against climate change. That is why, on the one hand, we are laying the groundwork for easier immigration of skilled workers and making sure that in Germany attractive working conditions and career paths. On the other hand, we have made strong impetus along the entire educational chain from kindergarten, especially for STEM education. Why the MINT skilled labor gap is a threat to our ability to innovate. Furthermore, it is particularly important to me that the academic success of pupils no longer depends on their social background as before and that we strengthen both professional and academic education.
What needs to happen internationally in these fields – and what role can Germany play in this?
We rely on European and international cooperation in education and research. Academic freedom is especially important to us. We will strengthen value partnerships where we can work together in a spirit of trust, especially in sensitive areas such as security of supply or technological sovereignty. In the EU and the G7, we work together with our partners for freedom in education and science around the world. We will further increase the attractiveness of Germany as a location for research and development, especially in view of the shortage of skilled workers. Improved offers and framework conditions, such as those we create through the excellence strategy or the “Research in Germany” initiative, aim to increase the proportion of international students and researchers in Germany. Our universities and research institutes benefit immensely from international talent – here we want to get even better.
Bettina Stark-Watzinger is Federal Minister of Education and Research
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