On the Path to Becoming a Leading Technology Nation: Timelines, Roadmaps and Your Involvement
With the High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD), the Federal Government has sent a strong signal: we are strengthening our country’s innovative capacity, creating new value and safeguarding our technological sovereignty. “Made in Germany” is set to remain the engine of our prosperity in the future and make Germany a global leader in innovation.
The rapid and effective implementation of the HTAD is a top priority for the entire Federal Government. For the HTAD is far more than a strategy paper. It invites us to shape ‘High-tech Made in Germany’: not only within the Federal Government, but also in business, science and society.
The HTAD Process – a Joint Roadmap
The HTAD officially launched in October with the kick-off event. This marked the first exchange with experts on the development of roadmaps for the HTAD’s six priority key technologies. Since then, intensive partner dialogues have been taking place with the scientific community, industry and politics. The first roadmaps will be published on 20 May this year at the Federal Government’s HTAD Days – they will also be available on this website at the same time.
The roadmaps provide the framework for a shared vision, clear objectives and coordinated activities. They are intended to bring communities and sectors together, to be implemented jointly and successively developed further. Each roadmap is based on concrete and measurable milestones relating to technological development pathways. In addition to federal measures, they also include measures from the federal states. Both measures are intended to provide starting points for contributions from further implementation partners. Indicators and catalysts are equally important components of the roadmaps.
The roadmaps are not a linear timetable, but rather implementation pathways that interweave the measures of various stakeholders in a goal-oriented manner. In this way, forces can be pooled, potential harnessed and previous gaps in the innovation pipeline overcome. Roadmapping thus serves to orchestrate and accelerate implementation.
How You Can Get Involved
With the publication of the roadmaps, the Federal Government is launching a central online consultation in May. In doing so, the Federal Government is facilitating broad feedback on the roadmaps and gathering contributions from other implementation partners. You have the opportunity to submit comments and contribute your expertise – even if you have not yet been involved in the development process. We will continue to develop the roadmaps together through an agile process like this.
In parallel, the gradual implementation of the roadmaps will begin through the further development of the HTAD’s (flagship) measures and accompanying measures by the Federal Government, the states and implementation partners, in order to accelerate progress.
Outlook: The HTAD Summit
In 2027, the Federal Government invites you to the HTAD Summit (“HTAD-Gipfel”). There, we will jointly take stock of the process to date, present the progress and results achieved, and focus on the further development of Germany as a hub for innovation and technology. To this end, the 360° monitoring system, which the Federal Government is establishing in parallel, will also be utilised. It will make progress transparent and highlight successes – the ideal basis for defining further tasks, challenges and activities.
One thing is certain: Only by working hand in hand with industry, science, society and politics can we once again make innovative strength and the spirit of research a genuine value-adding factor “Made in Germany”. Take the opportunity to get actively involved – your expertise is the key to success.
Further information on the roadmaps, the online consultation and upcoming dates will be available on our website from May.
