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EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE
EDUCATION &
KNOWLEDGE
Vibrant Hub of Knowledge ∙ Dynamic Academic Landscape ∙
Ambitious Cutting-edge Research ∙ Networking Academia ∙ Research and Academic
Relations Policy ∙ Excellent Research ∙ Attractive School System
INSIGHT
VIBRANT HUB OF KNOWLEDGE
Germany is one of the top places in the world
leaders. Internationally, Germany is in the
for research and academic training. This is
top group of those few countries to invest
symbolised by the fact that with more than 80
more than 2.5 percent of their gross domestic
awards, Germany places third among the na-
product in research and development.
tions with the most Nobel laureates. In a globalised world in which knowledge is regarded
With numerous measures and reforms, the
as the most important resource, the country,
government and higher education institu-
with its long-standing tradition of research
tions took the initiative to advance Germany
and development, is well positioned in the in-
as a hub of knowledge and place it on a more
ternational competition for the best minds.
international footing. The Qualification Ini-
Three major aspects shape this vibrant hub of
tiative adopted in 2008 offers lifelong train-
knowledge: the dense network of around 400
ing programmes, formed part of this. Other
higher education institutions, the four inter-
success stories include the Excellence Initia-
nationally renowned non-university research
tive, which has spawned a number of inter-
organisations, and strong industrial research.
nationally oriented graduate schools and
The country has its impressive research
clusters of excellence, the Higher Education
achievements to thank for the fact that with
Pact 2020, the High-Tech Strategy, the Re-
12 percent of global trade volume, Germany
search and Innovation Pact, and the Strategy
is the world’s leading exporter of high-tech
for the Internationalisation of Science and
goods and in the European Union (EU) is as-
Research. As Europe’s biggest research na-
sured a f irm place in the group of innovation
tion, in 2014 Germany was the first EU Mem-