In view of the economic crisis, investments in information and communication technologies are secure investments in the future, declared Chancellor Angela Merkel at the opening of the world's largest IT exhibition, CeBIT in Hannover. By the end of next year Germany will have full nationwide access to rapid Internet connections.
"This is where the latest developments and networks are discussed," stated Angela Merkel. And that makes CeBIT vitally important, even when times are hard. In comparison to last year, exhibitor numbers were 25 percent down.
Information and communications technologies are also a priority of the German government’s recovery packages, the Chancellor reminded her audience, with particular reference to broadband. "By 2010 we aim to have nationwide broadband access," she re-affirmed.
By 2014, 75 percent of all regions are to have access to super-fast Internet connections (50 MB per second), via optic fibre, cable or wireless connections. Experts expect the fast Internet connections to generate significant impetus for economic growth, from new services to e-commerce and digital learning.
Getting the entire country on board
"In future a broadband connection will be as commonplace as electricity connections, or water and sewage connections are today," Angela Merkel declared with conviction in her Saturday videopod.
In contrast to infrastructure investments in centuries gone by, it is important to ensure coverage for rural regions too from the outset. The Chancellor aims to achieve this in cooperation with telecommunications businesses. She called on providers to agree on frequencies and to accept competition. She promised to accelerate the awarding of still-open frequency licenses.
"We must make a joint effort here," the Chancellor underscored. The German government will work to ensure rapid developments, she promised.
Investing in brainpower
The Chancellor opened the trade fair with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, which is CeBIT’s partner state 2009.
The Chancellor pointed out that it is not only the scenery that is interesting in California. For decades the west-coast state has also been exemplary in attracting high-tech industries. An attractive framework alone is not enough for this. Expertise and well-trained individuals too are necessary.
Along with the individual federal states, this is why the German government has undertaken to raise its investments in education, research and development to ten percent by 2015. Due at least in part to the generation change that is now happening, "It will be important to make the best possible use of all the talent we have," stated the Chancellor.
To this end the fascination of technology and science must be made tangible for children and young people. "Technology must remain Germany’s strength – but there is no legal entitlement to this. The strength must be born of passion," declared the Chancellor, who is herself a physicist.
Returning to our strengths
"I am entirely convinced that this period of economic difficulties should be taken as a sign to return to our strengths," Angela Merkel continued. Germany can come out of this crisis stronger than it was before.
Investments in education and research, growth and the urgently needed reduction in debt can be compatible, she is convinced. "But only, if we accept the challenges that lie ahead." The country, however, does not even need to surpass itself. "What we have achieved in the sixty years of the Federal Republic of Germany should give us strength and courage to tackle the international economic crisis," the Chancellor believes.
On Tuesday morning the Chancellor will be touring the trade fair with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
CeBIT is the world’s largest trade fair showcasing information and communication technology. Since 1986 it has been held every March in Hannover. A total of 4,300 exhibitors from 69 countries provide an extensive overview of the demand and supply sides of the world market. Several hundred thousand visitors are expected.
The highlights of this year’s trade fair are "Webciety", i.e. society in the Internet and "Green IT" with products and innovation for greater energy efficiency in the information and communication technology industry and in applications. This year’s partner state is California, where Silicon Valley has for decades been responsible for innumerable IT innovations. The region is considered an excellent example of successful policy to attract industry.
The acronym CeBIT originally stood for Centrum der Büro- und Informationstechnik – the Centre of Office and Information Technology. Under this banner, CeBIT has been part of the annual Hannover Trade Fair since 1970. In 1986 it became a trade fair in its own right.