Wanted: A new generation of Einsteins

Germany brought the world to aspirin, rocket science, guantum physics and the diesel engine, but Germany's days of scientific glory are long gone and it is now hunting for a new generation of Einsteins. Decades of underfunding and a distaste for the elitism nurtured by Nazis has meant the world's third-largest economy is trailing its global competitors, causing concern among business leaders and provoking warnings from economists. The U.S has 5 universities that are in the top 100, while Germany only has one and it is number 48. Germany has launched a scheme to compete for funding and create its own "Ivy League." Two Noble Prizes where awarded last year to and chemist and a physicist who take pride in the countries scientific heritage. Between 1901 and 1931, German universites had produced 15 Noble Prizes in chemistry and 10 in physics. German companies are proud of the part they played in establishing Germany's reputation as a scientific powerhouse. Children still learn about the man who created aspirin, Felix Hoffmann. They also still learn about Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz whose work led to the car manufacturer Daimler Benz. After World War II sparked a backlash against the Nazi ethic of natural selection and survival of the fittest, universities focused on equality rather than individual excellence. By 2010, small- and medium-sized firms will be short of 30,000 researchers, say Germany's DIHK Chambers of Industry and Commerce. This puts Germany at the risk of missing a European Union target of spending 3 percent of GDP on research and development by 2010, up from 2.49 percent in 2005. Stephen Wimmers quoted, "Today we need to invest in research to be able to develop and produce the goods for tomorrow. If we don't have the scientists to do the work, we won't have competitive products." The automotive jobs create about 20% of Germany's jobs, which is one advantage that Germany has. Experts say the quality of German patents is deteriorating, as most are in aging industries such as engineering. In contrast, countries such as China, Japan and the United States are stronger in advanced technology, which has stronger growth prospects. In the end, Germany hopes to create more scientist.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21917876/