Germany to generate 10% of economic output based on AI by 2030 under new strategy - ministry document

Germany to generate 10% of economic output based on AI by 2030 under new strategy - ministry document

Germany is set to generate 10% of its economic output based on artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030, according to a new strategy outlined by the Ministry. This ambitious target underscores the country's commitment to leveraging AI to drive economic growth and innovation. The strategy, which builds on the European Union's broader AI initiatives, aims to position Germany as a global leader in AI technology.

The Ministry's document emphasizes the need for a strategic and coordinated approach to AI development and deployment. This includes investing in research and development, fostering a supportive ecosystem for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically. The strategy also highlights the importance of data governance and cybersecurity in building trustworthy AI systems.

Germany's AI strategy is aligned with the EU's broader approach to AI, which aims to make the EU a world-class hub for AI while ensuring that AI is human-centric and trustworthy. The EU's AI strategy includes a regulatory framework proposal that addresses the risks generated by specific uses of AI and provides a set of proportionate and flexible rules for AI developers, deployers, and users. The AI Act, which is currently under negotiation, aims to create a safe and innovation-friendly environment for users, developers, and deployers of AI.

The German government has also taken steps to support AI startups and SMEs. In January 2024, the EU Commission launched the AI innovation package, which includes measures to support European startups and SMEs in the development of trustworthy AI. The package includes a strategic investment framework in trustworthy AI and encourages the development of large open innovation ecosystems that foster collaboration between AI startups and industry players.

The German AI strategy is part of a broader effort to boost excellence in AI and strengthen Europe's potential to compete globally. The EU plans to invest €1 billion per year in AI through the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programmes, with the goal of reaching an annual investment volume of €20 billion over the course of the digital decade. The Recovery and Resilience Facility makes €134 billion available for digital, which will be a game-changer, allowing Europe to amplify its ambitions and become a global leader in developing cutting-edge, trustworthy AI.

In addition to the Ministry's strategy, the German government has taken steps to support the AI industry. Daimler Truck, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced plans to cut around 5,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 as part of a cost-cutting program aimed at improving profitability. The company plans to save up to €1 billion in total annual savings by 2030 through personnel, materials, administration, IT infrastructure, and research and development expenses. The job cuts are expected to affect the truck division's Stuttgart hub, which employed around 28,000 people at the end of 2024.

Germany's AI strategy is part of a broader effort to boost excellence in AI and strengthen Europe's potential to compete globally. The EU plans to invest €1 billion per year in AI through the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programmes, with the goal of reaching an annual investment volume of €20 billion over the course of the digital decade. The Recovery and Resilience Facility makes €134 billion available for digital, which will be a game-changer, allowing Europe to amplify its ambitions and become a global leader in developing cutting-edge, trustworthy AI.

References:
[1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/european-approach-artificial-intelligence
[2] https://www.dw.com/en/daimler-truck-to-cut-5000-jobs-in-germany-by-2030/a-73200970
[3] https://www.cognitivetoday.com/2025/07/ai-gdp-growth-2030-boost-from-2026-trends-in-july-2025/