Making the economy and society fit for the future
Innovations are indispensable for the competitiveness and growth of the German economy and make a decisive contribution to overcoming key challenges such as climate protection and adaptation or demographic change. Sustainable prosperity is inconceivable without innovation. But are the framework conditions in Germany conducive to the emergence of new ideas? How easy is it to develop business models from ideas so that innovations can be made accessible to society? In other words, how innovation-friendly is Germany and how can it become even more innovation-friendly? The program area “Framework conditions for innovation” deals with these questions. It brings together experts from science, business and social organizations, prepares and publishes analyses and seeks open social and political dialogue.
Germany’s innovation system: breaking down barriers, exploiting potential
Every year, the Innovation System Germany project examines a focus topic that is central to the design of framework conditions for innovation. The empirical basis of the analysis is formed by available data on the topic as well as qualitative interviews with stakeholders from science, business and society. Based on the insights gained, options for shaping a political framework that promotes innovation and thus increases welfare are developed.
The following have been published so far:
acatech STUDY Innovation System Germany: Supporting the supply of skilled workers in Germany
A lack of skilled workers is already a major challenge that threatens the existence of some companies, and baby boomers will soon be leaving the labor market. What can be done? In a study published in June 2023, acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering assesses opportunities in labour market participation, migration, digitalization and education. Germany needs change in all four fields of action and must break up historically evolved structures. In order to attract more foreign skilled workers, a political commitment to labor migration and a service-oriented, enabling culture of public authorities are needed.
acatech STUDY Innovation System Germany: Increasing the efficiency and agility of public administration
As part of the Innovation System Germany project, this acatech STUDY examines the question of how public administration, with its underlying federal structures and processes, can become more agile and more conducive to innovation. Based on empirical findings, the perspectives of different stakeholders from science, business and society gained in qualitative interviews are brought together and political options for action are formulated. Employees, structures and technologies are examined as levers of administrative modernization.
Innovation policy consulting
acatech draws attention to new key technologies at an early stage, highlights potential and design options and discusses the necessary framework conditions. As the national academy of science, acatech has a mandate to advise political decision-makers in this regard, which is why Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has commissioned acatech to oversee the Future Council, his personal innovation policy advisory body. The steering committee, consisting of leading figures from business, science and society, meets regularly with Chancellor Scholz and ministers at the Chancellery to discuss various innovation policy issues. Between 2010 and 2021, the acatech office was also responsible for overseeing the innovation dialog between the federal government, industry and science.
More on the Federal Chancellor’s Council for the Future
What about the next generation of STEM talent?
In the nationwide trend report MINT Nachwuchsbarometer, acatech annually highlights the most important figures, data and facts on the situation of young talent in the STEM sector. A sound and widespread knowledge of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM) is crucial for Germany as a location for innovation.
However, the results of the STEM Young Talent Barometer in recent years show that Germany is lagging behind in STEM education in an international comparison – the performance of school pupils in particular is causing increasing concern.
Publications
