Germany is once more a land of ideas, says Bulmahn

Germany has once again become the 'land of ideas', according to the country's Education and Research Minister, Edelgard Bulmahn.

Speaking in Berlin on 9 August, Ms Bulmahn highlighted that the ministry increased its expenditure by 2.4 billion euro between 1998 and 2005 - a 38 per cent hike in spending.

Some 3.8 billion euro was spent on health research alone between 2000 and 2005. Over one billion euro annually has also been invested in projects in the fields of nanotechnology, information and communications technology (ICT) and biotechnology. 'Germany, because of its research and development, has become the most attractive place in Western Europe for internationally active enterprises,' said the Minister.

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have also benefited. Realising that SMEs are often the drivers of innovation, the ministry increased the number of SMEs receiving support by 73 per cent, and the available funds by 66 per cent between 1998 and 2005.

Meanwhile the former East Germany is to receive 500 million euro between 1999 and 2007.

Germany is also pursuing the three per cent objective, set by the EU Heads of State and Government in 2002. In 1998 the country was spending 2.27 per cent of its GDP on research - a figure that had reached 2.51 per cent by 2003.

Large research organisations have also been promised an increase of around three per cent in funding if they meet certain criteria set out under the 'pact' made with the government. The criteria include better networking, improved opportunities for spin-offs, and intensive collaboration with universities and enterprises.

For further information on research in Germany, please consult the following web address:
http://www.cordis.lu/germany

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	Germany is once more a land of ideas, says Bulmahn Germany has once again become the 'land of ideas', according to the country's Education and Research Minister, Edelgard Bulmahn. Speaking in Berlin on 9 August, Ms Bulmahn highlighted that the ministry increased its expenditure by 2.4 billion euro between 1998 and 2005 - a 38 per cent hike in spending. Some 3.8 billion euro was spent on health research alone between 2000 and 2005. Over one billion euro annually has also been invested in projects in the fields of nanotechnology, information and communications technology (ICT) and biotechnology. 'Germany, because of its research and development, has become the most attractive place in Western Europe for internationally active enterprises,' said the Minister. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have also benefited. Realising that SMEs are often the drivers of innovation, the ministry increased the number of SMEs receiving support by 73 per cent, and the available funds by 66 per cent between 1998 and 2005. Meanwhile the former East Germany is to receive 500 million euro between 1999 and 2007. Germany is also pursuing the three per cent objective, set by the EU Heads of State and Government in 2002. In 1998 the country was spending 2.27 per cent of its GDP on research - a figure that had reached 2.51 per cent by 2003. Large research organisations have also been promised an increase of around three per cent in funding if they meet certain criteria set out under the 'pact' made with the government. The criteria include better networking, improved opportunities for spin-offs, and intensive collaboration with universities and enterprises. For further information on research in Germany, please consult the following web address: http://www.cordis.lu/germany	Print page Back