Germany must move from being a spectator to becoming a leader in AI

Berlin, 16 June 2026. “We do not have an employment problem because of AI – we have a productivity problem without it.” With these words, Employers’ President Dr Rainer Dulger opened #futurework26 in Berlin today. Around 300 decision-makers from business, politics and academia came together to discuss artificial intelligence – and how to deploy it consistently in a way that creates real value.

In his opening remarks, Dulger made it clear that AI is a necessity for Germany: “AI is becoming a fundamental prerequisite for productivity, competitiveness and growth. Especially in Germany – with an ageing society and a growing shortage of skilled workers – it will be decisive how effectively we manage to use this technology productively. Germany’s industrial strengths – mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, chemicals and the healthcare sector – possess enormous expertise and data capabilities that AI can leverage to generate additional value. Germany must move from being a spectator to becoming a driver in AI.

The growing willingness of companies to use AI is highlighted by the latest BDA Employers’ Barometer: 54 per cent of the companies surveyed expect AI to boost productivity and growth. This clearly shows that those who merely observe physical AI will be overtaken by those who actively deploy it.

If we are to safeguard our prosperity and industrial strength, we must pick up the pace. While the United States and China are investing heavily, we often begin with discussions about regulation. What we need instead is greater courage to apply AI within companies, more investment in technologies and skills – and, above all, a framework that enables innovation.”

In his keynote, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs Dr Karsten Wildberger outlined an ambitious vision for the digital agenda: “AI is the last window of opportunity – and it will not remain open for long. We need the growth this technology can deliver to finance the transformation of our economy and to secure our sovereignty.” Germany must act on several fronts simultaneously: building its own semiconductor manufacturing capacity, developing high-performance language models, and embedding AI applications within its industrial base. Wildberger described close cooperation with industry as a prerequisite for success. He also set a clear direction in the debate on AI and employment: “I do not believe we will be replaced by machines – but by people who use AI.” The key question, he said, is how to transform business and public administration across all sectors using AI – and how to support people in learning and growing with this technology. Wildberger added: “This is the central task that my ministry is working on day in, day out.”