Technological Sovereignty in Germany and Europe

New technologies have the potential to fundamentally transform our society. While they offer significant opportunities and improvements in efficiency, quality of life, and competitiveness, these transformations also carry risks. Increasing global connectivity not only raises the threat of cyberattacks but also creates international dependencies in the development and implementation of technologies that must be carefully managed. Key technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI), microelectronics, and robotics –are especially vital for safeguarding and advancing technological and digital sovereignty. They provide the foundation for the innovative development and application of many other technologies.

Sovereignty in Key Technologies

In light of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising geopolitical tensions, technological sovereignty has become more critical than ever. “Germany and the European Union must be capable of independently developing key technologies and leveraging their potential,” says Dr. Mohsine Chefki, Head of the Key Enabling Technologies Department at DLR Projektträger. To reinforce technological sovereignty, the project management agency assists the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) with all strategic issues related to the research, development, and application of technologies that will significantly impact the future of our society.

With its long-standing, robust national and international networks, DLR Projektträger has served as a trusted partner and catalyst to the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) for many years at the European and international levels. Our experts possess deep expertise across the entire spectrum of technological sovereignty. Building on this foundation and drawing from ongoing observation of the current scientific and industrial research landscapes, our interdisciplinary teams produce targeted information products and potential analyses on emerging research policy topics. We prepare position papers, provide strategic recommendations, and analyse existing issues. Additionally, supporting the BMFTR through the development of research programs, as well as the organisation and execution of (specialist) events, forms an integral part of our organisational and content-related assistance.

Council for Technological Sovereignty

During its mandate from 2021 to 2025, the independent expert panel "Council for Technological Sovereignty" of the BMFTR developed recommendations to strengthen the technological independence of Germany and the EU in key technology areas. The Council was supported both in terms of content and organisation by DLR Projektträger. Comprising ten representatives from academia, industry, and society, the Council worked closely with our team to produce comprehensive analyses and strategic recommendations on technological and technology policy developments, as well as on specific technology and application fields. Through its seven public papers and numerous recommendations to the Ministry, the Council played a key role in effectively shaping the BMFTR’s funding initiatives.

The Council’s publications can be downloaded via the links provided below this article.