Key Points Paper as a Starting Point for a new Research Framework Program on IT Security –
At the end of July 2025, the Federal Cabinet adopted the Hightech Agenda Deutschland. The agenda focuses on six strategically important key technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, and Quantum Technologies. Its goal is to strengthen Germany’s innovation capacity and competitiveness through targeted investments in these future technologies. To this end, research, development, and commercialization are to be accelerated, and technological capacities in Germany and Europe systematically expanded. The Hightech Agenda also provides the framework for a strategic realignment of cybersecurity research in Germany and emphasizes the need to rapidly translate research results into market-ready applications, products, and services.
Building on the Hightech Agenda, the BMFTR presented in late February 2026 the framework for the strategic realignment of IT security research. The key points paper “Cybersicherheit – Forschungspolitische Impulse” outlines how Germany can strengthen its technological sovereignty and resilience through cybersecurity research. At the same time, it establishes the foundation for a new federal research framework program on IT security. The paper focuses on three main areas: “Cybersecurity Made in Germany,” cyber resilience in applications, and transfer and cooperation. It also lays out the roadmap for implementing the Hightech Agenda Deutschland.
The roadmapping process aims to create the foundations for a secure, innovative, and competitive digital future through excellent research. Together with a working group of relevant stakeholders – from science to industry – key research needs will be identified, prioritized, and practical measures developed. The resulting program is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2027. Click here for more information on the planned realignment of Germany’s cybersecurity research.
Source reference: https://www.forschung-it-sicherheit-kommunikationssysteme.de/forschung/it-sicherheit/eckpunktepapier-cybersicherheit; https://www.bmftr.bund.de/SharedDocs/Kurzmeldungen/DE/2026/02/260226-cybersicherheit-eckpunktepapier.html
