topic Ministry

Strategy Processes: Ideas for the Future in Education and Research

Education forms the basis for one's whole life; research opens up previously unknown opportunities in all fields of life. Education and research need perspectives which extend far into the future. These are the foundations on which our future evolves. The BMBF's promotion of education and research must take this long-term aspect into account. The BMBF is expanding its policy with the support of stakeholders in the field of science and society by providing scientific advice and organizing strategy processes with representatives of very varied societal groups.

The BMBF's funding of science and research must be judged according to the benefits which the use of public funding holds for society, particularly in the long term. Such an assessment must be oriented towards the future and must take various factors into account.

The first of these is providing for the future: The protection of the environment and climate change, safeguarding energy supplies, but also demographic development are all processes which take several decades. Although we cannot forecast these processes precisely today, scientifically founded predictions of developments make it necessary to fund research into countermeasures.

A second factor is securing the basis for our prosperity and social cohesion. Many research results have considerable economic significance. They form the basis for the international competitiveness of highly developed technological nations. Here it is, of course, important that the results of research enter products and services and that research also reaches the people whom it can help - particularly in fields such as health research.

In order to remain in the lead internationally, it is decisive to identify the future direction of research as early as possible and to support work in this area. The third factor is the rather abstract progress in science and research in general. Findings and discoveries in research can often not be determined in advance   this is the reason for their scientific charm and societal importance. This research has its origins in scientific questions, answers to which also require support.

Strategy processes in education and research are thus based on two fundamental questions: Where do we stand and in what direction do future developments point? Working on the basis of the results of analyses and scenarios, we can develop a dialogue with science and societal groups on central areas and key measures needed to achieve the goals of education and research policy.

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  topic Ministry

  The BMBF's Foresight Process

  On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Systems and Innovation Research (FhG ISI) and for Industrial Engineering (FhG IAO) have formulated a number of long-term research tasks in seven entirely new, so-called cutting-edge fields within in the framework of the BMBF foresight process. They are to contribute to our ability to face global challenges. Information resulting from the foresight study is as important for the further development of the High-Tech Strategy as it is for the development of programmes for research and innovation in Germany.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/12673.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  Society and Demographic Change

  Improved living conditions, peace and better social support systems have started a process of change in the age structure of the population in industrialized nations. The rise in the average age of the population is leading to changes in our everyday life and work. How is society dealing with these changes? How can we make use of the opportunities available and profit from the experience of the older generation? Health research and the production and services industries are called upon to provide solutions for the areas of initial and continuing vocational training and for redesigning our cities. The BMBF is funding measures to tackle demographic chance under various research programmes.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/4657.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Innovation and technology analyses. Strategies for research policy

  What technologies are developing? How well is Germany's research sector prepared for them? How can new ideas be turned into innovative products and services? How can research support play a supportive role in this area? Innovation and technology analysis seeks to identify areas of socially accepted technological progress and to develop options for relevant political action.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/1324.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Analyses and Statistics of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research

  Data and facts form the basis for rational decision-making. Comparisons with other countries reveal where we stand. The analysis of processes of innovation enables us to learn from individual successes. In the field of analyses and statistics, the BMBF collects and analyzes facts in order to be able to improve education and research in Germany. As an innovation to BMBF analyses, the internationally staffed independent Expert Commission Research and Innovation has taken up work. The commission will periodically examine the state of research and innovation in Germany.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/6577.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Technology Foresight and Technology Observation

  Technology foresight and observation play an important role for a growing number of countries which do not want to fall behind in the international technology race and lose their ability to compete internationally. Foresight serves to identify technologies which will be decisive for a country's continued ability to compete. The knowledge gained is used to establish priorities in research and technology policy. Scientists and experts from industry and other societal groups are involved in foresight activities.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/6502.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Dialog Science and Society

  It matters to all of us, what is being researched, invented, and developed in Germany. It is important for us that scientists inform the general public about their work in laboratories and offices. For eight years, the initiative "Wissenschaft im Dialog" has deloped ways for such an exchange. The events in the science years shall spark public interest in science.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/1758.php)
   
  
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  topic Ministry

  Women in Education and Research

  A forward-looking policy must create the preconditions needed to allow women appropriate representation in all fields and at all levels, particularly in managerial positions. Advantage must be taken of the different view points and ways of thinking of women and men. This is also in the interest of progress in education, research, industry and society as a whole and is one of the BMBF's central tasks.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/474.php)