Negotiations regarding the division of responsibilities among German federal ministries are taking longer than initially anticipated, according to reports in the Handelsblatt. Following a broad outline of shifts in authority established shortly after the beginning of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s tenure in early May, a detailed administrative agreement was expected to be finalized by July 1st.
A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs confirmed to the Handelsblatt that discussions are still ongoing. The primary sticking point appears to be the delineation of roles between the economics and research departments.
An internal email from Frank Wetzel, State Secretary at the Economics Ministry, revealed progress is being made with the Digital Ministry and the Environment Ministry, with negotiations nearing completion. However, the email made no mention of the Research Ministry, indicating a continued impasse.
Sources within the governing coalition suggest disagreements persist regarding the distribution of innovation policy responsibilities. While Minister Dorothee Bär’s ministry is designated with overarching responsibility for national and international innovation and technology policy, specific programs such as the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM), industrial cooperative research (IGF) and research funding in structurally weak regions (Inno-Kom) remain subjects of contention. Minister Bär is reportedly seeking to incorporate these programs within her department, a prospect resisted by her counterparts.
