Dreams of the future? Things that until just recently seemed to be the stuff of imagination are now everywhere in our daily lives. This is as true of mp3 technology as it is for high-resolution plasma screens, it applies to LEDs that provide us with economical as well as highly efficient light as well as to powerful miniature sensors that make driving safer and our cell phones and laptops even more user friendly.

All of these developments have one thing in common: they have been awarded the “Deutscher Zukunftspreis”. They stand for ingenuity that has helped make our lives better, created new jobs, and safeguards our quality of life and standard of living.

And this is precisely what the Deutscher Zukunftspreis is about. The Federal President’s prize for achievements in technology and innovation illuminates how important new developments are for our country and its people. These innovations don’t just grow on trees, but are the result of curiosity and persistence, of knowledge and skill. But for this to happen, the conditions have to be right. Despite the economic downturn, the most important thing for the country, business, and society is: full commitment to education, research, and development!

That this commitment is worthwhile will be proven once again on December with the awarding of the Deutscher Zukunftspreis. I am eager to see who the jury of renowned experts has nominated for the final round this year and which of the proposed teams will be the winner. And, at the official awards ceremony in Berlin, I am already looking forward to finishing off the sentence: “And the Deutscher Zukunftspreis goes to …”.