VDA President Hildegard Müller regarding Hightech-Agenda

"Key technologies such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, climate-neutral energy generation, and climate-neutral mobility are of central importance for Germany and Europe to secure and further expand their pioneering role in global competition. With the High-Tech Agenda adopted today by the Federal Cabinet, the Federal Government recognizes the urgent need for action to strengthen competitiveness and value creation through research and technology in Germany. This can be achieved, in particular, through an improved investment environment. After all, the jobs of the future can only be created where investment is made.

It is positive that the high-tech agenda provides incentives for investments in chip technologies, especially since the market ramp-up of electromobility will also significantly increase the demand for semiconductors in the automotive industry.

We also expressly welcome the planned AI initiative: The successful use of artificial intelligence in the automotive industry requires strong collaborations, open data spaces, and targeted pilot projects. Real-world laboratories must be set up quickly and unbureaucratically now. The consistent transfer of research into application is crucial for sustainably securing innovative strength and digital sovereignty.

Climate-neutral mobility can only succeed within a technology-neutral framework. The commitment to an 'E-Fuels Innovation Booster,' which is intended to ensure the upscaling of renewable fuels by 2029, as well as the 'Hydrogen Research Hub' planned for 2026, are therefore to be viewed positively. Particularly with regard to the potential for decarbonizing road transport, the contribution of green molecules – such as hydrogen, biogenic gases, and renewable fuels – on the path to climate neutrality must be given even greater focus. 

The goal of making Germany the world's leading innovation and production location for autonomous and connected driving was rightly anchored in the High-Tech Agenda. We also expressly welcome the promotion of the integration of autonomous vehicles into the overall public transport system. For the successful market ramp-up of these technologies, modern mobile communications standards with fast data transmission, high network stability, and dynamic, nationwide mobile coverage are essential. Research funding in this area must also continue to be strongly application-oriented.

Crucial to the success of the agenda will be the creation of an unbureaucratic, digital funding framework tailored to the needs of investment stakeholders. The region already suffers enormously from high administrative hurdles. Consequently, only a streamlined design of funding initiatives, as announced in the agenda, can create easy access for startups, SMEs, and German automobile manufacturers. It will be essential that the funding frameworks have a reliable financing basis.

For the aforementioned measures and projects, such as the flagship project for the supercomputer in cars, clarity about the exact design must be achieved as quickly as possible."