Report focuses on Germany as a science nation

Germany remains a vital player in the international science arena, with a robust research ecosystem that demonstrates a high level of academic excellence and complementarity in the mission of the various research institutions. To maintain its competitive edge, however, Germany must address challenges in translating academic research into practical applications, particularly in emerging technological fields such as quantum technology. By fostering collaborative efforts between academia and industry, and investing strategically in research, Germany can reinforce its leadership in the global scientific community and make continued contributions to innovation and societal advancement.

These are among the findings of Elsevier’s new report Germany as a Science Nation. Our study evaluates the strengths and capabilities of the German research sector while also examining Germany’s status in an international context. We explore the nation’s research landscape, identifies key strengths and analyzes the influence of its scientific output on innovation and policymaking.

Using data from Scopus, SciVal and PatentSight opens in new tab/window, we based the findings on an analysis of more than 1 million articles by just over 677,000 authors from Germany from 2019 to 2023.

It’s part of a series of research landscape reports developed by Elsevier over the years covering topics such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and net zero, biodiversity, gender and inclusion in research and country or region-focused reports. The goal of these reports is to stimulate discussion and support evidence-based policymaking.

Highlights

• University rankings: The Times Higher Education rankings show Germany as the highest-ranked non-English speaking country, reflecting its commitment to broad academic quality and research excellence. German universities are increasingly recognized on the global stage; the Technical University of Munich (TUM) opens in new tab/window is currently the top-ranking institution within EU27.

• European Research Council (ERC) impact: The ERC has had a significantly effect on German science, particularly following Brexit. After 2020, Germany became the country with the highest number of publications funded by the ERC, enhancing its position as a leader in the European research area.

• Complementary research sectors: A unique aspect of Germany is the strength and diversity of its non-university research sector. Each of the 274 institutes that comprise the Helmholtz Association, the Max Planck Society, the Leibniz Association and the Fraunhofer Society focuses on a specific area of research. And while each institute is a separate entity, they often work closely with universities locally, nationally and internationally, ensuring that there is a strong link between sectors.

• Industry collaboration: Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for advancing research and driving innovation in Germany, and the country has one of the highest rates of academic-industry co-publication globally.

• Knowledge sovereignty: Despite its strong research foundation, Germany faces challenges in translating academic research into industrial application, particularly in key technology areas like quantum computing and AI.

Top universities

Over the past decade, German institutions have climbed steadily in the Times Higher Education rankings, with TUM at the forefront. Consequently, Germany has emerged as the highest-ranked non-English speaking country in terms of the number of institutions in the top 200. This accomplishment highlights the broad excellence of the German higher education system, reflecting a strong commitment to research, innovation and academic quality across various fields and disciplines.

Strong knowledge transfer into politics and industry

Germany’s research ecosystem plays a crucial role in driving innovation and addressing societal challenges such as climate change and healthcare, while also informing policy decisions with scientific evidence. The collaboration between academia and industry in Germany fosters partnerships that enhance the quality and applicability of research outcomes by integrating academic expertise with industrial capabilities. This synergy contributes to industrial growth and competitiveness and makes Germany one of the top nations internationally when looking at co-publications between industry and academia, which often serves as a key measure for the diffusion of new technologies into industry and society.

Policy citations indicate how research affects policymaking at local, national, international and regional levels. Particularly notable for Germany is the high percentage of scientific output from authors based at Leibniz institutes that are cited in policy papers.

Strengths and weakness in knowledge diffusion

Germany’s ability to produce excellent research can assessed by examining its knowledge capacity in areas crucial for maintaining technological sovereignty, as outlined in the Research and Innovation for Technological Sovereignty 2030 (FITS2030) opens in new tab/window framework. This framework emphasizes the importance of monitoring advancements in digital and industrial technologies to reduce dependence on foreign expertise while enhancing the country’s competitiveness and resilience. Although there is a strong correlation between academic publications and patents in certain fields, gaps remain in areas like quantum technologies and battery technologies, indicating a need for policy attention to improve the translation of research into practical applications.