What does fundamental research into the nature of matter have to do with practical innovations that can improve all our lives? A new 44-page brochure demonstrates the crucial role that scientific research at DESY plays in strengthening Germany’s capacity for innovation. Through numerous examples, it highlights the research centre’s tangible contributions to the six key technologies identified in Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, as well as to the strategic levers designed to reinforce Germany’s and Europe’s technological sovereignty.

The High-Tech Agenda Germany is the Federal Government’s innovation and technology initiative. Led by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, it aims to strengthen links between science, industry and society. Its focus is the systematic advancement of six key technologies: artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, fusion and renewable energy, climate-neutral mobility, microelectronics and biotechnology. The objective is to accelerate the transfer of research results in these fields into useful applications and market-ready products – such as improved computer chips, more efficient hydrogen production and less invasive cancer therapies.

Using numerous examples from DESY, the new brochure illustrates that while fundamental research addresses the most basic scientific questions, it is precisely this work that serves as a vital catalyst for technological innovation and progress in society. Major technological breakthroughs are typically built on an ever-deeper understanding of nature’s fundamental mechanisms. As a national research infrastructure, DESY therefore acts as an enabler of all six key technologies and makes a lasting contribution to Germany’s position as a leading centre of innovation.

Beate Heinemann, Chair of the DESY Board of Directors, says: “Through its research infrastructures, DESY helps strengthen technological sovereignty in Germany and Europe and safeguards our long-term competitiveness. Both academia and industry rely on these facilities to advance research and development in modern key technologies.”

High-Tech Agenda levers: strategic investment in research infrastructure
Fundamental knowledge for faster innovation: the examples presented in the brochure also demonstrate the importance of strategic investment in new and enhanced research infrastructures – a key element of the strategic levers defined in the High-Tech Agenda Germany. The valuable scientific work carried out using DESY’s many different large-scale research facilities provides compelling evidence today of the value generated by investments made in previous years.

A further strategic enhancement of DESY’s research infrastructure could significantly increase this impact in the near future. PETRA IV, the planned X-ray light source is scheduled to begin operating on DESY’s Hamburg campus from 2032 and is expected to deliver the world’s most brilliant X-ray light. This would enable processes like the non-destructive scanning of the molecular structure of a microchip in around three days. With today’s instruments, such an analysis takes years.

The brochure is now available for download and offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding more deeply how fundamental research drives innovation and contributes to a higher quality of life.