The science policy section of the coalition agreement presented yesterday by the social democrats (SPD), greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) and liberals (FDP) promises to “strengthen universities as the heart of the science system”. To make Germany “more creative, more excellent and more competitive” as a science and innovation powerhouse, the new government wants to “focus on promoting and accelerating innovation and transfer from basic research to application”. The announced increase in overall government spending on research and development to 3.5 percent is a logical and necessary step.
“The coalition agreement shows that the new government recognizes research at universities as an essential element for Germany's future,” said Prof. Dr. Wolfram Ressel, TU9 President and Rector of the University of Stuttgart, “as well as emphasizing the importance of teaching through the dynamization of the financial volume of the Strengthening the Future Contract for Studies and Teaching and proposing the idea of a federal Digital University program.
As Technical Universities, we particularly welcome the emphasis on innovation and transfer in the coalition agreement. The establishment of new funding instruments for internationally competitive research and transfer regions is a forward-looking project. The combination of cutting-edge research with innovative application in diverse collaborations with industry creates ideal conditions for innovation and the successful transfer of start-up ideas to start-ups and companies.
In order to ideally promote the existing potential for creating and strengthening innovation ecosystems with international appeal, a planned German Agency for Transfer and Innovation (DATI) must of course be open to all types of universities. In addition to strong and reliable funding, the launch of an innovation decade requires clear framework conditions with lean, fast, digital and transparent procedures. The coalition agreement presented is a further step in the right direction – now it is important to follow up the declarations of intent with corresponding deeds as quickly as possible.”
About TU9
TU9 is the Alliance of leading Universities of Technology in Germany: RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Technical University of Darmstadt, Technische Universität Dresden, Leibniz University Hannover, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Technical University of Munich, and University of Stuttgart. Tradition, excellence, and innovation are the hallmarks of TU9 Universities.
Founded during the Industrial Age, they contributed decisively to technological progress back then and continue to do so today. They enjoy an outstanding reputation around the world as renowned research and teaching institutions that promote the transfer of knowledge and technology between universities and practice. As such, they train exceptional young academics for careers in science, business, and administration and assume social responsibility. TU9 Universities foster top-class international networks and diverse cooperation with industry, making them a key element of Germany’s position as a location of science and innovation.