Germany Increases Focus on AI

Source: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hesse's Science Minister Boris Rhein and President of Darmstadt University of Technology (TU Darmstadt) Hans Jurgen Promel attend a demonstration of a rescue robot at the university in Darmstadt, Germany, October 8, 2018. REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski

In order to close the digital gap between it and leading countries in technology, Germany will create 100 positions for professors focused on artificial intelligence and invest more than 3 billion euros in AI funding by 2025. Chancellor Angela Merkel explained that in addition to the federal investment, the private sector is also expected to provide more than 6 billion euros in funding. Chancellor Angela Merkel will focus on Germany's digital deficiencies in what is probably her final term as Chancellor and stated an aim for  "'Made in Germany' to be a brand in artificial intelligence as well."  Germany was ranked 29th out of 34 for internet connection speeds in industrialized countries last year, and has failed to produce a world leading startup that pioneers AI technology. 

​Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed Dorothee Baer, Minister of State for Digital Affairs, to coordinate Germany's digital strategy. Baer and others have stated that Germany's economic stability has resulted in a lack of preparation for the digital future. Germany's export model, which has been leading industrial innovation for years, is focused on traditional manufacturing and it appears to be struggling to keep up. Merkel's comments came at the end of two-day cabinet on AI and she made it clear that fixing Germany's digital deficiencies is a "prerequisite for its future prosperity."


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