Why is international cooperation in education, science and research important?

International cooperation in education, science and research is essential for ensuring Germany’s and Europe’s ability to innovate, as well as for overcoming global challenges. In view of the increased pressure to innovate and adapt, it is more important than ever.

How do we shape the cooperation?

In its international cooperation in education and research, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) orients itself according to the aims set out in the Future Research and Innovation Strategy. The BMBF shapes its collaborations in accordance with the principles of human dignity, basic rights and democracy which are embedded in Germany’s free democratic basic order. We act in accordance with the international order founded on the principles of the United Nations Charter. The BMBF places particular importance on the freedom of science, research and teaching as protected by the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz). Protecting this freedom in the context of international cooperation, too, is an unalterable cornerstone of the BMBF’s policy.

Who do we cooperate with?

The BMBF seeks more profound cooperation with, above all, states which share these principles. When it comes to cooperation with states which do not share these principles, or which only share them to a limited extent, careful consideration is given to weigh up the opportunities and risks when deciding whether cooperation will take place. The BMBF rejects any cooperation projects which endanger Germany’s economic or security interests. This includes collaborations which fail to respect the freedom of science, research or teaching, or in the case of which there are sufficient grounds for suspicion that they will be misused for repression in the country in question, or for other human rights violations.

Our focal points in terms of international cooperation in science and research include the collaboration

• within the European Union (EU) and with European states,
• with the USA and Canada,
• with innovative partners in the Asia-Pacific research area,
• with strategic partners in Latin America,
• with developing and emerging countries in Africa and the Middle East, as well as
• with international organizations such as the OECD, UNESCO and United Nations, as well as with multilateral bodies such as the G7 and G20.

Federal Government Report on International Cooperation in Education, Science and Research

The Federal Government’s activities in the area of international cooperation in education, science and research are the subject of a report it publishes every two years.

Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024