It's time to send a clear message: Many countries are closing their doors to international talent. Let's bring them to Germany!

 "The American government's decision to suspend visa issuance for international students and doctoral candidates is more than a symbolic act. It marks a turning point in international science policy. The United States, long the dream destination for academics from all over the world, is withdrawing. Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands have also enacted restrictive visa regulations in recent years and experienced political debates that have worsened the climate for international talent. As a result, the number of international students and doctoral candidates there is declining.

 

For many young people from countries like India, Nigeria, or Brazil, who had hoped for a place at top universities in North America or the United Kingdom, this is a bitter development, and it is only logical that German universities stand closely alongside beleaguered institutions like Harvard in the United States, which defend their academic freedom and autonomy. A historic opportunity is opening up for Germany: At a time when other countries are erecting walls, our country can open doors, and thus not only for its science, but also for its economy and society in the long term."

 

The new scientific and geopolitical situation offers three major opportunities.

 

First, Germany can establish itself as a new destination for excellent academic talent who would previously have opted for English-speaking countries. The global demand for study places abroad remains unbroken, especially in emerging societies with young populations. As last year's report by the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation shows, Germany has developed into an increasingly attractive international location for science in recent years. Those who make the right offers now can permanently attract new students and doctoral candidates.

 

Second, Germany can distinguish itself as a liberal center of science. Our constitutionally enshrined academic freedom, our cosmopolitan society, and the principle of largely tuition-free higher education earn us international respect. 

 

At a time when academic freedom is under pressure worldwide, Germany can become a place of longing for students and researchers.

 

Third, international students are a crucial component of a future-oriented migration policy. Those who complete their studies or doctorate in Germany have good chances of finding permanent employment. to work here and integrate into our society. Given the growing shortage of skilled workers and demographic trends, this is a strategic perspective. A smart education and science policy is also the best skilled labor policy.

 

Unlocking this potential requires political determination and targeted investments. We propose an ambitious scholarship program for international talent, whether students or doctoral candidates: 10,000 additional scholarship places with a volume of 100 million euros annually over five years (10 000 annually each candidate).

 

This would send a clear signal from Germany: We are serious about opening up and are prepared to create attractive conditions for excellent talent. Scholarships are more than just social support; they are a tool for targeted recruitment, as elite American universities have practiced for decades.

 

The fact that the German Academic Exchange Service has been able to award fewer scholarships in recent years due to stagnating budgets contradicts Germany's strategic goals as a nation of science and skilled workers. It is high time to reverse this trend.

 

The economic benefits have long been proven. According to a recent study by the German Economic Institute, each cohort of international students in Germany generates a net profit of around sixteen billion euros for the public budget over their lifetime, through indirect taxes on consumption, income tax, and social security contributions from employment. Against this backdrop, the planned scholarship program would not only be affordable but also highly economically profitable as a means and signal for attracting more international students.

 

But financial support alone is not enough. For international talent to successfully study, research, and work in Germany, the structural framework must also be right. These include:

 

Rapid issuance of visas for international students and doctoral candidates

 

Simple and standardized recognition of credits from the home country or country of study

 

More staff for academic support, especially for students from countries with different higher education systems and different support expectations.

 

More housing and social infrastructure for all students from Germany and around the world, not only in major cities, but especially at university locations across the country.

 

Early integration, language support, and networking with the regional economy so that students thrive not only academically but also socially.

 

Strategic expansion of marketing for Germany as a center of science worldwide. The Federal Government's umbrella portal for skilled workers from abroad, "Make it in Germany," should be expanded for students and doctoral candidates.

 

These challenges can be solved if they are prioritized politically. Germany is at a tipping point. While other countries are isolating themselves, our country can gain a lead in research and the quality of skilled workers through smart investments in young, talented people from around the world. International students and doctoral candidates are not a burden; they are an opportunity for our universities, our companies, and our society. The German government should seize this unique opportunity to raise its profile now. Because whoever attracts talent wins the future.

 

Uwe Cantner is Chairman of the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation.

 

Michael Hüther is President of the German Economic Institute.

 

Joybrato Mukherjee is President of the German Academic Exchange Service." [1]

 

1. Es ist Zeit für ein klares Signal: Viele Länder schließen ihre Türen für internationale Talente. Holen wir sie nach Deutschland! Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 18 June 2025: N4. Von Uwe Cantner, Michael Hüther und Joybrato Mukherjee

ES nepasisekė: taksi be vairuotojo dar negreitai pasirodys, kad galėtų konkuruoti su Musku ir kinais

„Vokietijos automobilių pramonė neskuba diegti autonominio vairavimo. Nors federalinė vyriausybė anksti sukūrė teisinę sistemą, ši technologija dar nevaidina svarbaus vaidmens kasdieniame gyvenime, kitaip nei, pavyzdžiui, Kinijoje.

 

Ten pagalbos sistemos jau plinta net ir pigesnių modelių segmentuose, leisdamos vairuotojams laikinai nuimti rankas nuo vairo net ir tokių didmiesčių kaip Šanchajus šurmulyje.

 

Tai, kad toks didelis greitis pasiekiamas saugumo sąskaita, yra neabejotina.

 

Tačiau vis dėlto tik laiko klausimas, kada automobilių pirkėjai Europoje paklaus, kodėl čia nėra panašios technologijos.

 

Robotinių taksi segmente „VW Group“ dabar nori parodyti, kad gali konkuruoti. Po daugelio vėlavimų Hamburge vykdomas plėtros projektas pažengė taip toli, kad didžiausias Europos automobilių gamintojas yra įsitikinęs, jog gamins serijinę savo savaeigio elektrinio furgono versiją. Šiame versle iš tiesų yra galimybių, ypač Europoje. Miestai ir savivaldybės labiau linkę pasikliauti vietiniais tokių technologijų tiekėjais.“ vietinį transportą nei Amerikos ar Kinijos bendrovės. Tam tikrą vaidmenį atlieka reguliavimas, kaip ir susirūpinimas dėl duomenų. Padėtis JAV rinkoje, į kurią VW taip pat nori patekti, yra kitokia. Tokie konkurentai kaip „Waymo“ jau seniai aplenkė konkurentus.

 

 

„Tesla“ taip pat ketina diegti robotaksi keliuose.

 

 

Pasekmės plačiai paplitusiam autonominio vairavimo vystymuisi yra ribotos. Autoparkų operatoriai skaičiuoja labai skirtingai nei privatūs klientai ir yra pasirengę mokėti dideles robotaksi įsigijimo kainas, jei išvengia savo vairuotojų išlaidų. VW tikisi, kad bent dalis darbo taip pat gali būti įtraukta į privačių automobilių pagalbos sistemų kūrimą.

 

 

Tačiau praeis daug metų, kol tokie modeliai kaip „Golf“ galės vairuoti savo vairuotojus visiškai autonomiškai.“ [1]

 

 

Po daugelio metų konkurentai turės visą pasaulinę automobilių rinką sau. ES grįš prie arklių ir ožkų. Net ukrainiečiai iš mūsų tyčiosis.

 

1. Taxi ohne Fahrer. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 18 June 2025: 26.  Von Christian Müßgens

EU is out of luck: Taxi without a driver isn’t coming soon enough to compete with Musk and the Chinese

 

"Germany's automotive industry is taking its time with autonomous driving. Although the federal government established a legal framework for it early on, the technology doesn't yet play a major role in everyday life, quite unlike in China, for example.

 

There, assistance systems are already spreading even in lower-priced model segments, allowing drivers to temporarily take their hands off the steering wheel, even in the hustle and bustle of metropolises like Shanghai.

 

That such high speeds come at the expense of safety is undisputed.

 

But nevertheless, it's only a matter of time before car buyers in Europe ask why comparable technology isn't available here.

 

In the robotaxis segment, the VW Group now wants to show that it can compete. After many delays, a development project in Hamburg has progressed so far that Europe's largest automaker is confident of producing a production version of its self-driving electric van. There are indeed opportunities in this business, especially in Europe. Cities and municipalities are more likely to rely on domestic providers of such technology for their local transport than on American or Chinese companies. Regulation plays a role, as does concern about data. The situation is different in the US market, where VW also wants to enter. Competitors like Waymo have long since overtaken the competition.

 

Tesla also is to putting robotaxis on the road.

 

The consequences for the widespread development of autonomous driving are limited. Fleet operators calculate very differently than private customers and are willing to pay high acquisition prices for robotaxis if they avoid the costs of their drivers. VW hopes that at least some of the work can also be incorporated into the development of assistance systems for private cars.

 

However, it will be many years before models like the Golf can drive their drivers fully autonomously.” [1]

 

After many years competitors will have the world auto market all for themselves. The EU goes back to horses and goats. Even Ukrainians will make fun of us.