German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday called for an expansion of digital research and development in the country, donning virtual reality glasses.
“We need to create the framework so that this can happen in many places in Germany,” Scholz said during a visit to the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering (HPI) in his constituency in the city of Potsdam, just outside Berlin.
What makes Germany a country of engineers, technicians and scientists must be cultivated for the future, Scholz said.
Leading research and education in digital sciences and other disciplines are needed to ensure that Germany remains a global leader.
“Germany’s digital future is good. It’s something that can inspire and where we can organize a better life together,” Scholz said. “Of course, that will only work if we can do these things ourselves.”
The institute, which is affiliated with the University of Potsdam, focuses on IT research and engineering. It is funded by donations from German billionaire Hasso Plattner, one of the founders of software giant SAP.
“Everything happens here at this institute,” Scholz said Friday. “If you’ve been here and looked at the enthusiastic faces of those who work here and do research, you don’t have to worry about the future of Germany.”
During his visit to the institute, Scholz tried out virtual reality (VR) glasses, which allow people to experience artificial worlds.
In this case, Scholz took a virtual look at the Salzburg Festival Theater, an experience that the Chancellor said he really enjoyed.
“You could spend an evening there,” Scholz said, then added jokingly: “And now some wine.”
