Can Europe keep up with the US and China in the high-tech race?

DW (English)

In technologies shaping out future, the US and China are leading the way. But Europe is working hard to catch up. It will take major investment and the recruiting of talent.

Transcript

00:00Interested in making a movie using AI?

00:05The Hasso Plattner Institute at the University of Potsdam might be the perfect place for you.

00:12Here the focus is on future tech, an area where Germany and Europe need to catch up.

00:19The mission of HPI is to strengthen the European digital sovereignty.

00:25It is incredibly important to position Europe strongly between the United States and China.

00:32And we educate the talents of tomorrow that can make exactly that difference.

00:39Germany has become less competitive as a place to do business, dropping from 15th place in a global ranking to 24.

00:50The new government says it's taking note, announcing billions of euros for defense, digitalization and infrastructure.

01:01That could also attract foreign investors.

01:05Japanese tech company Oki has recently opened an office in Berlin.

01:12We are starting from scratch.

01:16Oki has developed technology that uses optical fiber sensors to monitor the condition of bridges, roads and buildings.

01:26Why did the company choose Germany?

01:30That came here for two reasons.

01:33One is to improve our technologies to the world's top level.

01:40So we are confident we can do it here.

01:43And this is the R&D aspect.

01:47And the other one is to promote our product.

01:52A large market, stability and a reliable legal system are key factors for investors.

02:00That's according to Achim Hartig from the government's business development agency Germany Trade & Invest.

02:08He also knows what's on investors' wish list.

02:11Definitely they need lower energy prices.

02:15They need less red tape.

02:17They need skilled workforce.

02:19And they need probably also a future outlook how skilled workforce will develop in Germany.

02:24Back at the university campus in Potsdam, the Hasso Plattner Institute has announced plans to double its capacity.

02:33Students will not only learn about future tech, but also how to apply their research to real-world challenges.

02:41The hope is to foster the next generation of tech here in Europe.

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