The German government believes the next year and a half will determine whether the country CAN remain competitive in the global artificial intelligence race. Despite a strong starting position, particularly in research, Germany risks falling further behind the leading AI locations in the United States and China, according to a report by a government-appointed AI task force.
The report warns that the window for reducing this gap is closing. It identifies the next 12 to 18 months as crucial for setting the right course. Politico reported on the document first; the German Press Agency also obtained a copy. The report was due to be presented at the German government’s Digital Summit in Berlin.
The task force outlines several targets for 2030. At least 80 percent of large companies and 55 percent of small and medium-sized businesses should be using AI. The number of AI startups is intended to triple, while more than 10 percent of economic output should be generated on the basis of artificial intelligence. The government also wants 90 percent of federal authorities to use at least one AI application for core tasks by that year.
The proposals also call for alternatives to large AI models to be strengthened. To support this effort, Germany plans to expand cooperation with countries including France and Canada.
The AI task force, led by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs, was established during the summer by the federal government’s National Security Council. Its report sets the goal of making Germany an “AI nation” by 2030, a term also included in the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the SPD.
The document argues that talent, capital, research, computing capacity and entrepreneurial initiative must be brought together so that innovation can contribute quickly and responsibly to economic growth, prosperity, security, social progress, participation and democratic resilience. It warns that countries failing to build technological foundations, talent, infrastructure and applications in time will become dependent on decisions made elsewhere.
Sources: t3n.