Scientific advancements spearheaded by collaborative German-French efforts are yielding positive results.
German-French Research Cooperation: Strengthening Partnership and Innovation
The eighth edition of the Forum for German-French Research Cooperation took place in June 2025, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the two countries in securing sovereignty, competitiveness, and shaping the future.
Held every 3 to 4 years, this significant event is a testament to the strong partnership between Germany and France in the field of research. This year, French Minister for Higher Education and Research Philippe Baptiste and German Minister Dorothee Baer from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) attended the forum.
The focus of the forum is on cutting-edge research areas that reflect a focus on future-oriented and strategically vital technologies. These include artificial intelligence (AI), green AI, space technologies, quantum computing, digital security, and semiconductor technologies.
In the realm of AI, the German Research Foundation (DFG) cooperates with France’s Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) to fund multiple projects worth about €7 million, emphasizing collaborative innovation in AI technologies.
Research in green AI and sustainable technologies contributes to Europe's technology leadership and independence from external dependencies. Joint Franco-German efforts aim to develop "Europe's answer to SpaceX," enhancing sovereign space capabilities and reinforcing leadership in space commercialization and innovation.
Cooperation in quantum computing and algorithms advances digital sovereignty by developing native quantum capabilities important for secure communication and computing. Digital security and cryptographic research remain crucial to protecting infrastructure and data sovereignty.
Semiconductors and advanced connectivity are priorities that support industrial competitiveness through resilient supply chains and innovative materials and device technologies.
Together, these research collaborations have strengthened the autonomy of Germany and France by fostering joint innovation ecosystems that reduce reliance on foreign technology suppliers and increase the countries’ capacity for breakthrough technologies. They help secure economic growth, technological leadership, and strategic resilience in critical fields such as AI, space, quantum computing, and energy, which are vital for long-term competitiveness at the European and global level.
The alliance further promotes joint funding, researcher exchanges, and coordinated projects, creating integrated bi-national research networks that leverage complementary expertise and resources. These institutional frameworks help both countries achieve a strategic edge and safeguard scientific and technological sovereignty in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Forum for German-French Research Cooperation is not just an event; it is a platform for consolidating joint efforts in cutting-edge research, reinforcing the partnership between Germany and France, and underscoring the importance of international research cooperation for securing a prosperous and competitive future.
In the realm of environmental-science, Germany and France are collaborating to develop sustainable technologies, aiming to establish "Europe's answer to SpaceX" and strengthen sovereign space capabilities.
The Forum for German-French Research Cooperation also focuses on technology, particularly semiconductors and advanced connectivity, to support industrial competitiveness and secure economic growth.
