Bitkom on the Launch of the High-Tech Agenda

Berlin, 20 May 2026 – On the launch of the implementation phase of Germany’s High-Tech Agenda this Wednesday, Bitkom President Dr Ralf Wintergerst said: “The High-Tech Agenda is, in key respects, a digital agenda – and it sets exactly the right priorities. Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, microelectronics, robotics and other key technologies will determine whether Germany remains digitally sovereign, economically strong and competitive in the future. The fact that the Federal Government is now presenting roadmaps in these areas is an important step: it turns political objectives into concrete projects. 

What matters now is speed. Germany has excellent research capabilities, strong companies and innovative start-ups in many fields. Too often, however, it takes far too long for good ideas to become market-ready applications. The roadmaps must therefore not mark the beginning of new rounds of coordination; they must serve as the starting point for pragmatic and swift implementation. We need less bureaucracy, faster procedures, better data availability and competitive digital infrastructures. Above all, we need a noticeable reduction in regulation: many companies are calling for greater freedom to develop, test and bring innovations to market more quickly. 

The High-Tech Agenda can provide a genuine boost to modernisation if it is approached with outcomes in mind: What concretely helps businesses? What brings technologies into practical application more quickly? What strengthens our digital sovereignty? If these questions guide implementation, Germany can once again become a leader in key future technologies.”