Research Summit 2016: Merkel: “Not easy to say where we stand” – Tagesspiegel

Even Angela Merkel can not know everything. “But I know usually someone I can ask,” the chancellor said on Tuesday the Research Summit 2016 in Berlin. About digitization discussed the PhD in physics with representatives from business, science and politics. It should go to the question of what opportunities arise for innovation in Germany. Open conceded Merkel: “It is not easy to say right now where we are.” Big Data, cloud computing, data security – areas in which Germany is top? Where competence must be purchased

The strong German industry, the middle class, the good research and educational system – are all in exchange for high-tech companies that attack established markets and business models. “We must work hard in order not to fall into the hands of companies that deal primarily with the management of data,” warned Merkel. Only “unsparing analysis” will promote the export-oriented German economy. But: “The battle is not yet beaten,” said Merkel

Good times tempted to inertia

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche recommended “more courage” in testing new decision-making processes, business models. and products. “Applies especially in times of the digital revolution: The path of least resistance is often the most dangerous.” In good times there is a tendency to leave everything as and rest on existing know-how. “We on the board all know quite well how an axis works,” Zetsche gave an example. “But we are not digital natives.” Those who have grown up with digital technology and it can develop business opportunities for a car company, Daimler employed in Berlin. In Kreuzberg Betahaus employees develop from the start-up scene since autumn 2015 innovative solutions for the Van region of Daimler. Pragmatic as in the hierarchies of the large group.

Pragmatically it went to the Chancellor, as Zetsche asked about the legal framework for autonomous driving. The Cabinet could already late May deal with it, Merkel said, calling the Daimler CEO on: “. Please tell the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry), which is to write down a list of what they need – distributed as a timeline”