Gastkommentar: Deutschland muss Köpfe und Maschinen steuerlich endlich gleichsetzen
In Deutschland hängen Innovationen und Technologietransfer aus der Forschung in die Wirtschaft zu oft am Tropf staatlicher Förderprogramme, schreibt Marie-Christine Ostermann.
The excitement in Germany's innovation scene has been significant since Economics Minister Katherina Reiche imposed a stop on applications for the Central Innovation Program for Medium-sized Enterprises (ZIM). The funding pool has been exhausted, and many applicants will face empty coffers this year. Innovation and technology transfer from research to the economy often depend on state funding in Germany.
Instead of establishing new funding pots, the government should focus on strengthening companies' ability to finance their own innovations. Many medium-sized enterprises serve as a bridge between research and the market, unlike capital-oriented companies that often finance their innovations through retained profits. Especially during periods of economic stagnation, the state should do everything to facilitate investment in future technologies for businesses, rather than making it more difficult.
To achieve this, the government should modernize the tax law, extending the benefits of the so-called investment deduction to intangible assets. Currently, this only applies to tangible investments.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
