Germany and Italia: a great shared heritage, a great shared future
The international order is changing at breakneck speed. Geopolitical tensions, technological competition and supply chain difficulties are upending the certainties of the past. In this context, science is not merely a source of new knowledge and a driving force for innovation in tackling climate change or the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. It is also a trump card in the diplomatic arena: a tool for strengthening understanding between nations. For science builds bridges, strengthens them and inextricably unites nations such as Germany and Italia.As Ministers for Research and Technology, we are convinced that, in a time of great uncertainty and tension, we need not less, but more cooperation. Humanity can tackle the most difficult challenges if every nation contributes its strengths. Every researcher, every minister can – and must – be an ambassador for the value of international cooperation. Germany and Italia are a concrete example of this. Seventy-five years on from the resumption of diplomatic relations, our partnership is stronger than ever and founded on trust. Our countries share a long tradition of intellectual curiosity, scientific discoveries and cultural exchange. When the young naturalist Alexander von Humboldt – a true ‘diplomat of science’ – was in Italia, he sought out Alessandro Volta. They debated passionately on the nature of electricity. It was a fruitful exchange that paved the way for a new era in physics. Over a century later, Enrico Fermi, the future Nobel Laureate in Physics, travelled to Göttingen to meet Max Born in order to unravel the mysteries of quantum mechanics. And whilst Albert Einstein was developing the theory of general relativity, Tullio Levi-Civita, with his mathematical elegance, helped him refine the calculations. The legacy of these scientists reminds us of a universal principle: the spirit of inquiry and the desire to discover flourish when knowledge circulates freely and scientific collaboration transcends borders. It is precisely for this reason that tomorrow, at Villa Vigoni, the Italian-German Centre for European Dialogue, we will jointly adopt a strategic roadmap. With this tool, we intend to strengthen our cooperation in research and technology, promoting scientific collaboration between German and Italian universities, between our research institutes and our businesses. We will focus on strategic technologies, such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, robotics and quantum technologies, as well as on sustainable energy, including hydrogen. By better integrating our expertise, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen European supply chains and contribute to Europe’s technological sovereignty. Because together we are stronger.Europe’s future will depend on our ability to translate scientific excellence into technological progress, sustainable growth and industrial innovation. Germany and Italia are rising to this challenge with determination, as partners and friends. Strengthened by this bond, we face the great challenges of our time with optimism and energy.
Member of the Bundestag and Federal Minister
Ministry of Research, Technology and Space of the Federal Republic of Germany;
Minister for Universities and Research
of the Italian Republic
