Germany's research and education budget to rise by six per cent in 2004
Spending on research and education by the German government is set to increase by six per cent in 2004, according to the country's draft budget. The additional 545 million euro will raise total spending on research and education to 9.6 billion euro in 2004, in line with the EU policy of increasing research investment to three per cent of GDP by 2010. The new budget will mark an increase of 32.8 per cent in investment in research and education since 1998. 'Only through support for innovation in education and research will we attain long lasting growth and employment,' said Minister for Education and Research, Edelgard Bulmahn, on 2 July. However, further spending increases will be needed to meet the three per cent target. Ms Bulmahn therefore called on the private sector to play its part, urging an end to 'overcautious restraint', and more financial support for innovative enterprises. Large research institutes will benefit under the new proposals, with the proportion of the total research and education budget that is allocated to them set to rise to three per cent. 'This will ensure that the internationally recognised German research landscape will remain at the very top,' said Ms Bulmahn. The budget for researcher mobility is also set to rise, which will 'promote the internationalisation of German universities,' added the minister. Provisions in the field of education include over 32 million euro for a new 'university pact', the aim of which is to improve student conditions, to reduce the student drop-out rate, and to reduce the length of time spent studying. In order to encourage more young people to enter into higher education, money available for student loans will also be increased.
Kraje
Germany