Overview
- The federal FAQ sets the initial focus on artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, microelectronics, biotechnology, fusion and climate‑neutral energy generation, and technologies for climate‑neutral mobility.
- Early flagships comprise a national microelectronics strategy and an Action Plan Fusion with more than €2 billion for fusion research through 2029 and a stated goal of building the first fusion power plant in Germany.
- At the Berlin launch event, Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged closer coordination between science and business, fewer bureaucratic hurdles and greater data use, reiterating a target of at least 3.5% of GDP for R&D by 2030.
- Commentary highlights late timing and limited detail beyond fusion and chips, even as the government promises new funding tools, real‑world labs, public‑private partnerships and a stronger role for the state as an anchor customer.
- Industry signals are mixed, with the Ifo institute noting rising chip shortages and knock‑on risks for manufacturers, GlobalFoundries committing €1.1 billion to expand in Dresden, and Intel’s planned Magdeburg project having been canceled.