Germany Points the Way: Innovation Thrives Through Strong Partnerships
Visits to Berlin and Munich highlighted how close collaboration between universities, industry and government can turn research into innovation and real-world impact.
Dear staff
I am fortunate enough to be joining the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) on a study tour for the third time this year. This time, the trip has taken us to Berlin and Munich, where we have taken a closer look at how Germany approaches technology and innovation.
Given that this year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and that the world has since become both more unsettled and more warlike, defence technology has featured prominently on the programme. We have visited ministries, universities, research institutions and companies working with critical technologies and innovation.
Several people have asked why we are travelling to Germany at this particular time, when the country is facing economic challenges and continues to lag behind in digitalisation.
After five days, the answer seems quite clear to me: there is great potential in a strong relationship between neighbours. We need good neighbours, and we need to stand together on innovation, whether the focus is defence technology, life sciences or sustainability.
Denmark cannot advance these agendas alone, and Germany is in many ways an obvious partner.
What made the strongest impression on me was probably the meetings in Bavaria. The region has both the confidence and the ambition to bring universities and companies closer together in order to make progress on a difficult and important agenda.
Collaboration was discussed everywhere we went, and funding is also available to support a wide range of initiatives. At Siemens Sivelliance, it became clear how important collaboration with universities is, not least when it comes to attracting graduates to the company.
Fraunhofer AISEC has researchers affiliated with universities and trains PhD students, while also working closely with companies, including on cybersecurity.
Munich Quantum Valley works across the entire quantum stack, from hardware and software to use cases, through natural partnerships between universities and companies, including start-ups founded by researchers and students.
A common message from all of them is that this has been a long journey. I expect the same will be true at NAT before we have found an attractive path for researchers and students who want to establish their own companies.
In addition to the many fascinating visits, the opportunity to spend time with interesting people makes the entire trip worthwhile. The participants come from universities, foundations, companies and GTS institutions, and then, of course, there is the fantastic team from ATV, who keep us on our toes with briefings and debriefings at every visit.
Along the way, we contribute input to the annual report on critical technologies, which is presented at the annual meeting. Perhaps I will see you there?