Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2013

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

Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2008

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.

Report on research, innovation and technological performance in Germany 2017

[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. [...

Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2009

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 diffi culties, 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 fi nancing 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 fi scal support for research and development has unfortunately not been seized, and the measures introduced by the Federal Government to improve investment fi nancing are not at all convincing. In this second report we consider other fi elds of action: the intensifi cation 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 qualifi ed 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, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2011

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., --

Report on research, innovation and technological performance in Germany 2015

There is little controversy in public debate about the importance of research, innovation and science for employment and prosperity. However, the cause-and-effect relationships are complex, and there is generally a time lag before the results of research and innovation policy can be measured. This makes it all the more important to keep looking at the concrete challenges of research and innovation policy and their long-term implications – even when other tasks seem more urgent in the short term. As in previous years, the 2015 Report of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation is divided into three parts. The A chapters discuss topical issues of R&I policy. Focused analyses are presented in the B chapters. And in the C section, the Report documents the development and status quo in Germany by international comparison using eight particularly relevant groups of indicators..

Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2012

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

Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2008

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

Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2014

The Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation addresses some of the key issues of German R&I policy in the individual chapters of its 2014 Report. The Expert Commission outlines the need for action, based on policy measures deemed suitable for securing and advancing the results accomplished to date through the Higher Education Pact, the Excellence Initiative and the Pact for Research and Innovation (Chapter A 1). The Expert Commission calls for a more efficient approach to research and innovation policy and a stronger and smarter use of evaluations (Chapter A 2). The Expert Commission stresses the competitive advantages of Germany’s functioning vocational education system and its impact on the innovation system: in this regard, innovation potential can be tapped especially at the interface of vocational and academic training (Chapter A 3). Germany can only play a leading role in the process of international knowledge intensification if it continues its efforts also in the fields of cutting-edge technology and knowledge-intensive services (Chapter A 4). A study on internationalisation trends in research and development (Chapter A 5) suggests that German businesses are increasingly conducting their R&D in cutting-edge technology abroad. In Chapters A 6 and A 7, the Expert Commission addresses current debates on electromobility and the Renewable Energy Resources Act (EEG) and reviews the effects of measures employed to date from an innovation perspective. With regard to both topics, the Expert Commission’s findings are rather sobering

Research, innovation and technological performance in Germany - EFI Report 2010

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