Lower thirds:

00:02 Report by Kerstin Schweizer
00:20 Frank Pawlitschek | University Potsdam
01:30 Hiroki Shibuya | Oki Berlin Lab
02:15 Achim Hartig | Germany Trade and Invest

Script:

Interested in making a movie using AI? The Hasso Plattner Institute at the University of Potsdam might be the perfect place for you. Here, the focus is on future tech, an area where Germany and Europe need to catch up.

+++Frank Pawlitschek, HPI, University Potsdam  (English)

“The mission of HPI is to strengthen the European digital sovereignty. It is incredibly important to position Europe strongly between the United States and China, and we educate the talents of tomorrow that can make exactly that difference.”

Germany has become less competitive as a place to do business.

+++Grafik+++
Dropping from 17th place in a global ranking to 24.
+++Grafik++++

The new government says it’s taking note, announcing billions of euros for defense, digitalisation and infrastructure. That could also attract foreign investors. 

Japanese tech company OKI has recently opened an office in Berlin.

+++O-Ton: "We are starting from scratch."

OKI has developed technology that uses optical fiber sensors to monitor the condition of bridges, roads, and buildings. Why did the company choose Germany?

+++OTON (English) Hiroki Shibuya, Oki Berlin Lab, Germany
"We came here for two reasons. One is to improve our technologies to the top level. And we are confindent we can do it here. This is an R&D aspect. And the other one, to promote our product."

A large market, stability, and a reliable legal system are key factors for investors. That’s according to Achim Hartig from the government’s business development agency “Germany Trade and Invest”. He also knows what's on investors' wish lists:

+++OTON (English) Achim Hartig, Germany Trade and Invest, GTAI

"They need lower energy prices, less red tape, a skilled workforce, and a clear outlook on how the skilled workforce will develop in Germany."
(original: Definitely they need lower energy prices. They need less red tape. They need skilled workforce and they need probably also a future outlook how skilled workforce will develop in Germany.)

Back at the University Campus in Potsdam. The Hasso Plattner Institute has announced plans to double its capacity. Students will not only learn about future tech but also how to apply their research to real-world challenges. The hope is to foster the next generation of tech here in Europe.