Introducing the SPRIND Freedom Act: Removing Bureaucratic Shackles for Innovations

Dear Mr President!
Ladies and gentlemen!

You can’t jump with lead on your feet, you can’t sprint either. And yet SPRIND, the Federal Agency for Jump Innovations, has achieved a lot. But sometimes she sat at the table with innovators and had to say: Brilliant idea, but unfortunately there is no commitment yet. We first have to ask the BMBF. – The consequence: waiting time. And people who want nothing more than to get started with something radically new often go somewhere else, even outside of Europe. This has to end. We’re taking the lead off SPRIND’s feet. With the SPRIND Freedom Act.

Because we in Germany are still too hesitant, especially when it comes to this radically new thing. We still don’t have enough groundbreaking innovations. But they are the key to mastering the challenges of the future, remaining competitive and securing prosperity. To do this, we are giving SPRIND more leeway. What exactly is changing now?

First: In a fast-moving world of research and innovation, every day counts. The law will therefore enable faster funding decisions.

Secondly: In addition, there are tailor-made funding instruments for all phases of the company.

And third: We also give you the opportunity to manage funds more flexibly. Inventions that are intended to radically change the world also require flexibility in economic management.

And the best minds are behind groundbreaking innovations, and the law allows SPRIND to attract these minds with competitive salaries through exceptions to the ban on better positions.

With the SPRIND Freedom Act, we are now freeing the federal agency from unnecessary bureaucratic shackles and giving it new freedom. The Federal Council has already given us support and sensible suggestions for as much freedom as possible. It’s a balancing act: on the one hand, maximum freedom for SPRIND, on the other hand, appropriate responsibility for taxpayers’ money. This balancing act has been achieved with the SPRIND Freedom Act.

If we only talk about problems, they become more serious. But if we talk more about solutions, then we will come to solutions more quickly. Like in the pandemic. We succeeded there. The vaccine: It was a real game changer. We need more of that. More courageous jumps: The SPRIND, she has “a desire for the future,” as she says. And that is the best starting point.

We now have a solution for SPRIND so that it brings us the game changers we need. That’s why I look forward to the discussion and your approval.