Experts warn of technological dependence on China

Digitization Experts warn of technological dependence on China

03/15/2022Source: dpa

Technology as leverage: According to experts, China is expanding its leadership, especially in digital technologies. Increased “systematic competition” increases the risk of not being able to reliably access critical technologies in the future.

According to experts, Germany and the European Union are at risk of being left behind in digital technologies and relying heavily on China. Presented by the Expert Committee on Research and Innovation (EFI) on Wednesday Annual Report To Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark Watzinger (FDP) with corresponding recommendations for action regarding research and innovation policy. It is the fifteenth opinion of the Commission.

“Reliance on Chinese imports worries the panel of experts,” it said in an accompanying statement. Commissioner Caroline Haussler said Germany has strengths in production technologies, biosciences and life sciences. However, digital technologies were rated “Critical” due to obvious weaknesses. China’s proven power stands in stark contrast to this.

“Technological sovereignty is at the top of the political agenda.”

With the “systematic” competition between the West and China growing, there is a growing risk that “we won’t be able to reliably access critical technologies in the future,” Hussler said. The committee therefore sees “an urgent need for action: issues of key technologies and technological sovereignty are at the top of the political agenda.” Appropriate funding for research and innovation is recommended.

In climate policy in individual transportation, experts believe that battery cars are the most environmentally efficient and most economically logical option for saving greenhouse gases. In order to achieve a “decisive breakthrough,” they advocate “significantly” higher CO2 prices and a reduction or even abolition of the electricity tax and EEG surcharges. Car tax should also be lowered and more usage-based taxes such as tolls and parking fees should be used.

(No.: 48098437)