The 17th German Digital Summit took place from October 21 to 22 under the motto “Digital Germany - Innovative. Sovereign. International”. In addition to political representatives such as Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, minister Robert Habeck and Volker Wissing, also experts such as Ralf Wintergerst, President of the digital association Bitkom, commented on Germany's current situation with regard to digitalization. Overall, the results are mixed - Germany is lagging behind in terms of digital competitiveness but is now in second place on the BDI's (Federal Association of German Industry) innovation index. With investments of three percent of GDP, Germany is the only major economy that spends this much on research and development.
The aim of the German government is now to become the leading AI country in Europe and to help the economy with measures. For example, with nationwide AI centers that help companies with the transfer of practical experience; an expansion of the 5G network on the Berlin-Hamburg railroad line and a new AI regulation.