Abstract
Germany’s economic situation in the 2020s is alarming: recession, stagnant growth, lagging behind in key future technologies, and a widespread loss of international competitiveness stand in stark contrast to the global opportunities presented by technological transformations. Other economies are forging ahead and setting standards. Therefore, the question arises as to how economic, research, and innovation policies must be designed so that these developments become an opportunity for Germany, rather than a burden. The traditional toolkit for stimulating the economy and growth falls short and must be expanded to include a transformation-oriented research and innovation policy.