Resolution of the Federal Government on the Establishment of the Scientific Expert Commission Research and Innovation. (modified 01/26/2011)

§ 1

An expert commission for research and innovation will be established for scientific advice to the federal government on matters of research, innovation and technology policy.

§ 2

1. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation combines the interdisciplinary discourse with regard to the research of innovation of economic and social sciences, education economics, engineering and natural sciences, and technology foresight.
 
2. The role of the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation is to give scientific policy advice in the following fields:

a. Presentation and analysis of structures, trends, performance and prospects of the German research and innovation system in a temporal and international comparison.

b. Examination of priority issues of the German research and innovation system.

c. Elaboration of possible options for action and recommendations for further development of the German research and innovation system.

3. Starting in 2008, the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation delivers an expert opinion on research, innovation and the technological performance of Germany every two years.  In the interim years, the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation will produce short opinions on technological performance. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation delivers regular opinions to the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, annually, on 1st March.

4. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation is collaborating with the advisory councils and other similar institutions of other bodies, particularly European states and international organizations.

§ 3

1. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation consists of up to six scientists who have special knowledge and experience in the field of innovation research and who are designated internationally in the scientific field.

2. The members of the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation are neither allowed to belong to the federal or state government nor a legislative body of the federation or a state. They also may not be representative of an economic association or an employer or employee organization, or bear no relationship to those in a permanent service or business errand relationship; also, they must not have commanded such a position during the last year prior to the appointment as a member of the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation.

3. The members of the Expert Commission Research and Innovation are appointed by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, after approval by the Federal Government for a period of 4 years. Equal participation of women and men in accordance with the Act of  Filling Positions of Federal Bodies is encouraged. Re-appointment is possible.

4. The members have the right to retire by giving written notice to the Federal Ministry for Education and Research.

5. If a member resigns prematurely, a new member is appointed for the duration of the term of the resigned member.

6. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation elects, by secret election for a period of 4 years, a chair person from its midst, and a deputy chairperson. Re-election is possible.

7. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation gives itself rules of procedure.

§ 4

1. The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation is only bound to the order justified by this decree and is independent in its action.

2. Its comments, recommendations and opinions will be published.

3. If a minority holds dissenting views on various issues during the writing of the reports, recommendations and opinions, it has the possibility to express this.

§ 5

The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation will be supported by an office in the conduct of their work, which will be located in a relevant scientific institution.

§ 6

The members of the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation, and the members of the office are sworn to secrecy on the advice and the documents that are designated as confidential advice documents by the commission. The obligation to secrecy also applies to information that is given to the Commission and that is designated as confidential.

§ 7

During the writing of the reports the technically affected Federal Ministries or their commissioners are given the opportunity to give their views on relevant topics and participate in meetings of the Expert Commission.

§ 8

The Expert Commission for Research and Innovation can hear authorities of the federation or the states regarding different advice issues and give outside experts the opportunity to submit their comments.

§ 9

The members of the Expert Commission Research and Innovation receive on request a lump compensation and a reimbursement of their travel expenses.

§ 10

The Federation bears the costs of the Expert Commission Research and Innovation and its office.

Berlin, 08/23/2006

The Federal Minister for Education and Research