The STEM+ Action Plan nurtures talent for the technologies of tomorrow

Cover image: As part of the STEM+ action plan, Federal Minister for Research Dorothee Bär and Federal Minister for Education Karin Prien also launched STEM MADNESS (in German: MINT MADNESS). The campaign aims to inspire children and young people to take an interest in STEM subjects.

With the new STEM+ Action Plan, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth  (BMBFSFJ) are sending an important signal for Germany’s future as a centre of innovation. The action plan was presented on 9 June by Federal Minister for Research Dorothee Bär and Federal Minister for Education Karin Prien at the National STEM Summit in Berlin. The High-Tech Agenda Germany is designed to support the recruitment of new skilled workers and talent.

STEM education throughout life

Germany is the world champion in STEM. To ensure this remains the case, bright minds are needed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The STEM+ Action Plan sets out how the BMFTR and the BMBFSFJ intend to promote the next generation in STEM subjects.

To this end, the action plan focuses on four key areas of action. STEM provision is to be strengthened across all areas of education – from early years education in nurseries, through schools and higher education, to continuing education in adulthood. At the same time, access to STEM education will become more equitable, regardless of background, gender or place of residence. Particular attention is also being paid to target groups that have so far been difficult to reach with STEM programmes. Through low-threshold and tailored formats, the aim is to inspire people who are currently distant from education and STEM subjects in particular to take an interest in these topics.

Strengthening skilled workers and early-career researchers

The action plan also supports the training and further education of early-career researchers for academia and industry. Targeted measures are designed to raise the profile of career paths, strengthen leadership skills and facilitate the transition from training, degree programmes and research into professional practice.

“With the STEM+ Action Plan, we are focusing on the close integration of school-based and out-of-school education, as well as the transition from school to higher education and work. And we are supporting early-career researchers and skilled professionals, for example through graduate awards.”

Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space (translated)

Talent development and technological sovereignty

Another key focus is on the targeted promotion of talent and the safeguarding of technological sovereignty. STEM talents will be specifically supported to meet the demand for qualified specialists in key technological sectors and to strengthen Germany’s capacity for innovation. Furthermore, new partnerships will be established between educational institutions, the scientific community, businesses and civil society organisations and stakeholders, in order to ensure the long-term quality and sustainability of STEM education.

The ‘Plus’ for future-oriented skills

The ‘Plus’ in the action plan’s name stands for new approaches. In the future, STEM subjects will be more closely linked to creativity, societal issues and future-oriented skills such as entrepreneurship.

The STEM+ Action Plan contributes directly to Lever 5 of the High-Tech Agenda Germany: the recruitment and development of talent and skilled workers. With its holistic approach, it makes an important contribution to the implementation of the German High-Tech Agenda and to securing the skilled workforce needed for the technologies of tomorrow.