Bavarian Science Minister Markus Blume has declared the mandated cooperation between universities and the German armed forces to be an effective measure. In an interview with “Der Spiegel” magazine, he asserted, “The Free State of Bavaria isn’s just talking about a Zeitenwende [a fundamental shift in policy], it’s putting it into practice.
Since the law promoting collaboration between universities and the Bundeswehr came into effect, 26 new research projects have been initiated – almost doubling the previous number. Previously, Bavarian universities were restricted to civilian research applications, a constraint that has now been removed. Currently, six of the state’s 33 public higher education institutions are engaged in collaborative projects with the Bundeswehr, a figure Blume believes has potential for expansion. Research efforts are concentrated in future-oriented fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and drone technology.
Blume emphasized that these projects focus on “future technologies” not “warfare technologies” while acknowledging the law’s provision that universities could be compelled to engage in military research under specific circumstances. This legislation has drawn criticism from some who argue it restricts academic freedom and a legal challenge has been brought before the Bavarian Constitutional Court.
Responding to these concerns, Blume expressed confidence in the law’s legality, stating it “expands the scope of action for science, it doesn’t restrict it”. He noted that the clause requiring cooperation in the national interest has not yet been invoked, adding, “But we also have to be prepared for a defense situation.
In a forthcoming policy paper, Blume advocates for promoting collaboration between the Bundeswehr and the research sector nationwide. He argued, “Putin isn’t waiting for the last civilian clause to fall” highlighting the current geopolitical climate. He criticized the prevalence of clauses in other states’ higher education laws that prioritize peaceful coexistence, leading many universities to exclude military research. Blume is calling for a reevaluation of such restrictions and an overhaul of research funding programs, citing bureaucratic hurdles that he says impede collaboration. He further suggested aligning Germany’s research funding model with the American system.