A Look at Visions, Strategies, and Their Impact
With the upcoming 2025 federal elections, Germany faces pivotal decisions. Funding programs— the financial backbone of innovation, sustainability, and business development—play a crucial role. But how do political parties plan to shape this instrument in the future? What priorities do they set, and what does this mean for the economy and society?
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the political parties’ plans for the future of funding policy. We not only highlight the differences but also examine the potential impact of each strategy on businesses, citizens, and Germany as an economic hub.
CDU/CSU: A High-Tech Roadmap for Germany
The CDU/CSU aims to strengthen Germany’s competitiveness with a focus on digital technologies and future projects. A key point in their election program is the creation of a Federal Ministry for Digitalization to ensure clear responsibilities in the digital sector.
A special focus is on an ambitious high-tech agenda that seeks to drive innovation in fields such as space exploration, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The party plans to increase research and development (R&D) investments to 3.5% of GDP to secure sustainable technological progress.
Additionally, CDU/CSU intends to push for bureaucratic relief, especially for startups, and improve access to open data. These measures aim to create an innovation-friendly environment that fosters growth and competitiveness.
SPD: Science and Progress in Harmony
The SPD prioritizes socially responsible innovation funding. Their strategy revolves around advancing the German scientific system to promote technological and societal progress.
The party plans targeted investments in key technologies such as artificial intelligence, hydrogen, and animal-free research methods. Particularly noteworthy is their idea of a comprehensive roadmap to phase out animal testing.
Moreover, the SPD aims to support universities and technical colleges in digitalization and strengthen research in humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies. At the same time, they seek to improve working conditions in academia to enhance Germany’s attractiveness as a research hub. By increasing R&D spending to 3.5% of GDP, the SPD demonstrates its commitment to fostering both innovation and social development.
The Greens: Innovation as the Fuel of the Future
The Greens want to position Germany and Europe at the forefront of global innovation. By increasing research spending to at least 3.5% of GDP and promoting both basic and applied research, they send a strong signal.
One particularly innovative proposal is the introduction of experimental formats such as real-world laboratories, designed to accelerate the practical implementation of new technologies. Additionally, the party aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems through the German Agency for Transfer and Innovation.
Another major focus is the promotion of digitalization and artificial intelligence to ensure the competitiveness of German companies. These measures are intended not only to drive innovation but also to create jobs and strengthen the economy sustainably.
FDP: Tax Incentives as an Innovation Engine
The FDP emphasizes a market-driven funding policy that revolves around tax incentives. By improving depreciation conditions for digital and movable assets and making venture capital more accessible, they aim to strengthen startups in particular.
The party also opposes additional financial burdens, such as the reintroduction of a wealth tax, to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Instead, the FDP plans to enhance modern infrastructure, expand efficient transportation networks, and reinforce the dual education system to improve Germany’s competitiveness.
The goal is to establish a long-term innovation-friendly tax and economic policy that provides businesses and entrepreneurs with the necessary flexibility to grow and invest.
The Left: Climate Protection with Social Responsibility
The Left seeks to allocate funding specifically for a socially and ecologically responsible energy transition. Their focus is on promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and storage technologies.
In the long term, the party aims for a complete shift to renewable energy sources. Decentralized structures should make energy supply more democratic and affordable while also creating regional jobs.
Additionally, The Left advocates for maintaining and expanding the Renewable Energy Act and shutting down all nuclear power plants. By bringing energy companies into public ownership, the party aims to ensure a fair and sustainable energy policy.
AfD: Focus on SMEs and Traditional Energy Sources
The AfD emphasizes a return to the core principles of the social market economy. Their primary focus is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by expanding digital and physical infrastructure in rural areas.
A particularly controversial stance is their rejection of subsidies for renewable energy. Instead, the party advocates for traditional energy sources such as nuclear and coal power to ensure an affordable and reliable energy supply.
By reducing bureaucratic obstacles and creating better regulatory conditions, the AfD aims to strengthen Germany’s business environment and foster innovation.
Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW): Targeted Investments in the Future
The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance focuses on supporting SMEs and relieving small and medium-sized businesses. Their strategy includes technology-neutral funding programs and comprehensive bureaucratic reform.
With a state investment fund, the alliance aims to channel targeted investments into key industrial technologies to create jobs and strengthen the economy. Additionally, they advocate for reducing subsidies to foreign corporations and instead prioritizing innovative domestic companies and startups.
Decisions That Will Shape Germany’s Future
The 2025 federal election programs make one thing clear: the political parties are pursuing different paths to shape Germany’s funding policies. For businesses and citizens, the crucial question remains: which vision will lead Germany into an innovative, sustainable, and economically successful future?
Regardless of the political framework that will shape the future, one thing is certain: EPSA Germany remains adaptable to new conditions and offers tailored strategies to help companies successfully access funding. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and customized solutions, EPSA remains a reliable partner for economic transformation.
Source: www.epsa-deutschland.de