Research and Development
Germany is one of the world's leading industrial nations. No other country exports so many high-tech goods. The label "Made in Germany" is internationally recognised as a guarantee of high quality workmanship. German products and services are known for their excellence and innovative nature. German science and engineering are held in high esteem the world over. And we want it to stay that way! Up to 2013 the German government will be spending some additional 12 billion euros on education and research.
For a country like Germany, which has few naturally occurring raw materials, the source of prosperity and technological progress is the high level of training of its workforce. The federal and state-level governments are thus investing increasingly in training for all sections of the population.
To emerge from the world financial and economic crisis even stronger than before, we increase our investments in science and research aswell.
Universities and scientific establishments too must hold their own against international competitors. This is why Germany does its best to attract the world's academic elite and is significantly stepping up its investments in research and development.
Up to 2015 the percentage of Germany's gross domestic product (GDP) spent on research and development (R & D) is to rise from its current level of 2.6 percent to 3 percent.
Between now and 2013 the German government will be providing an additional six billion euros for particularly promising R & D projects.
The Seventh EU Research Framework Programme will strengthen excellence at European level and network German seats of learning.