Prof. Weule: Germany needs to increase
Bonn/Stuttgart, March 15, 1995
its high-tech exports - political green light for research
At a hearing of the parliamentary committee on education, science, research, technology, and technological implications forecasting, Daimler-Benz Research Director Hartmut Weule commended the "express desire of the major German research centers (GFE) to develop research programs in closer cooperation with German industry and to initiate joint research projects."Prof. Weule confidently predicted that his proposed "consensus-oriented planning process" would lead to improved cooperation between industry and research institutes and to more efficient application of research resources.
In view of Germany's relatively low 16% export rate for high-tech products (compared to 43% in the US and 27% in Japan), the burden falls on research to lay the innovative foundations for new products and markets. "If Germany wants to remain one of the leading industrial nations of the world," Weule commented, "it must once again become a high-technology export leader."
Weule pointed out the high value placed on research in Germany as well as its track record of excellent quality research. However, he added, only a competitive industrial economy can ensure a place for Germany at the leading edge of research.
He also warned against being lulled into a false sense of security by having made it through the recently ended recession. "It would be a mistake to assume that the painful readjustments made by industry over the past few years will ensure Germany's economic presence in the future," he said. "We mustn't underestimate the ferocity of international competition and the innovative strength of our competitors."
Professor Weule expressed his satisfaction with the BMBF conclusions regarding cooperative efforts between major research centers and industry which were presented in his report with the ZVEI Commission. In his view, the BMBF has incorporated the commission's essential recommendations. "All systems are 'go' for efficient, consensus-based research involving government and industry," said Weule. "We're ready for take-off."
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