Civil and military research in Germany has so far been strictly separated. Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger wants to change that. The USA and Israel demonstrated this successfully.
Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) has spoken out in favor of stronger cooperation between civil and military research institutions in Germany. “As Federal Research Minister, I would like to encourage increased cooperation between civil and military research in appropriate areas,” she told the dpa.
The Munich Security Conference and the Expert Commission on Research and Innovation made it clear that it was time to question and re-evaluate the strict separation between civil and military research in Germany. “This is about leveraging synergies and strengthening our innovative strength. Other value partners such as Israel and the USA are successfully showing us how to do this. We can no longer do without this,” said Stark-Watzinger. “In any case, the boundaries between civil and military research are becoming increasingly blurred as technological progress increases.”
Commission: Strict separation leads to parallel structures
In its 2023 report on research, innovation and technological performance in Germany, the Research and Innovation Expert Commission writes that the strict separation of military and civilian research leads to parallel structures and prevents synergies between the two areas. Against the backdrop of the turning point following Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, the expert commission recommends that the Federal Government consider synergies between military and civilian research when possible in its own funding.
In addition, the actors should review their voluntary commitments and regulations, which are based on a strict separation between military and civilian research, according to the expert commission. In Germany, many universities have so-called civil clauses that prohibit military research or the acquisition of corresponding third-party funds.
The Research and Innovation Expert Commission (EFI) provides scientific policy advice to the federal government and presents reports annually. The next report is to be handed over to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Wednesday.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
