Germany is regarded as one of the leading innovation locations in mechanical engineering. One reason for this is the close interaction between science and industry. However, according to a recent VDMA survey, two out of three companies believe that science is too liberal with publicly funded knowledge generated in Germany.

The study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, commissioned by the Impuls Foundation, points out that a withdrawal from international cooperation would be detrimental to the location. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and the decline in public funding, particularly for projects with China, are making cooperation more difficult. Many research institutions are responding with their own guard rails and strengthening their expertise in knowledge protection. "Against this backdrop, it is worrying that the political climate has created a lot of uncertainty," says study director Dr. Henning Kroll from Fraunhofer ISI. "Many researchers are already less inclined to enter into international collaborations with potentially critical partners for fear of losing their reputation."

Germany reduced funding for international research projects

In recent years, German policy has noticeably reduced its funding for international research projects. Cooperation with China in particular, which was previously publicly funded, is therefore on the decline. According to the researchers at Fraunhofer ISI, who have conducted numerous expert discussions with universities, research institutions and ministries, the former, widespread attitude of unconditional openness is no longer a matter of course. Instead, many institutions are taking a precautionary approach: they are creating internal guidelines for cooperation and investing more in developing their own protection and assessment skills in order to better assess and manage risks.

Hartmut Rauen, Deputy Managing Director of the VDMA © VDMA

"The latest knowledge, speed and implementation expertise are decisive in international technology competition," says Hartmut Rauen, Deputy Managing Director of the VDMA. He emphasizes the need for strategic knowledge management in order to secure technological sovereignty and at the same time benefit from international networks.

Triumvirate to decide on cooperation conditions

The authors of the study recommend that science, politics and industry jointly define with which partners, on which topics and under which conditions cooperation makes sense. Greater consideration should also be given to the protection of security-relevant information. A central point of contact could support research institutions in evaluating international projects.

The authors also advocate attracting more international researchers and students to Germany and integrating them into the innovation hub in the long term. This is the only way to ensure access to the latest knowledge and mitigate the shortage of skilled workers.