Germany has announced plans to create 10% of its economic output from artificial intelligence by 2030. The draft policy is part of the country’s larger ambitions to establish a strong presence in the global AI race. It seeks to position Germany alongside AI leaders such as China, the United States, and India.
The strategy is expected to be approved by the German cabinet later this month. It advocates employing AI as a fundamental tool in research and across industries. While current numbers for AI’s impact on Germany’s economy are unknown, the plan calls for the establishment of high-performance processing centres in the European Union by 2027. At least one of these centres will be located in Germany, with Deutsche Telekom reportedly showing interest.
The European Commission has allocated EUR 20 billion for AI “gigafactories” to boost digital sovereignty throughout Europe. Germany intends to complete project coordination with industry, specialists, and federal states by the end of the year.
The government also intends to improve quantum technology, to create two “error-corrected quantum computers” by 2030. It wants to launch the country’s first quantum communication research satellite in 2025.
Germany’s outstanding research record is lauded, but the strategy warns that sluggish commercialisation could risk economic competitiveness.
