A newly formed Investment and Innovation Advisory Council convened on Monday for its inaugural meeting at the Federal Ministry of Finance. The council was established by Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil with the stated objective of ensuring the rapid and targeted deployment of funds allocated through a special asset pool, maximizing their impact.
Harald Christ, a prominent entrepreneur, has been appointed as the council’s chair. Ann-Kristin Achleitner, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial and Financial Studies at the Technical University of Munich, will serve as deputy chair. Hiltrud Dorothea Werner, formerly a board member of Volkswagen AG, joins the council as a new member.
Minister Klingbeil emphasized the importance of not only rectifying past shortcomings in investment but also fostering innovation to modernize and enhance the nation’s equity. He underscored the urgency of efficient and effective implementation, stressing the need for greater speed and efficiency in project execution.
Council Chair Harald Christ highlighted the substantial opportunity presented by the unprecedented level of federal investment to drive economic growth and modernization. He specifically noted the importance of integrating public and private investment to strengthen Germany’s economic competitiveness and to mobilize the nation’s innovative capacity through targeted investment in research and development.