Germany should cooperate with China in science: EFI

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Germany should exchange knowledge and technology with China, a commission said in a report presented to Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday.

The Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI), which was established by the government, makes policy recommendations.

"There is concern in Germany that the exchange of knowledge and technology with China will lead to a one-sided outflow of know-how and weaken Germany‘s scientific and economic performance,” it said.

"The available empirical evidence does not support the hypothesis that Chinese direct investment in Germany has led to a weakening of the economic performance by the affected companies."

The report noted that the German government should insist on a level playing field in direct investment between the two countries.

Scientific cooperation with China will be beneficial for both sides, it stressed.

The report also touched on R&D and science activities in Germany.

"Germany‘s R&D intensity rose to 3.13% in 2018. This is an important step towards reaching the target of spending 3.5% of GDP on R&D by 2025."

- Closely monitoring China's steps

Merkel said the report was a kind of guide and said the country's R&D expenses will reach 160 billion euros ($172.7 billion) by 2030.

Referring to the China topic, she said China is Germany's biggest trading partner and the country is developing as a very dynamic and innovative place.

She noted that Germany closely monitors the acquisition of German companies by Chinese companies.

Germany wants to be open and fair in its economic relations with China and expects the same attitude from China, she added.