Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is responsible for key areas of German research and innovation policy. Its remit includes the promotion of scientific work, technological developments and space-related programmes. In Germany, research and technology are regarded as essential foundations for economic performance and social development. They help to gain new insights, improve existing practices and develop long-term solutions to global and national challenges.

Against this background, the BMFTR initiates programmes that deal with future-oriented research topics and designs funding instruments that are intended to promote innovation in business and society. This includes, among other things, supporting projects to develop new technologies that are considered relevant for future economic and social structures. The Ministry works with an extended concept of innovation, which includes not only technological but also social innovations and emphasizes the participation of society in research and innovation processes.

In addition, the BMFTR is involved in international exchanges on education, science and research. At the national level, the Ministry cooperates closely with the federal states, including in the Joint Science Conference (JSC), which advises on important strategic issues in research and science policy.