Germany

Summary
Germany exhibits a moderate level of digital dependence, with its DDI value remaining relatively stable between 2010 (0.71) and 2023 (0.73). This stability is evident in three of the four dimensions; however, dependence on trade in ICT services is an exception, having increased from 0.49 in 2010 to 0.57 in 2023. Germany’s bilateral trade in ICT goods shows a pattern of declining dependence. Dependence on both China and the United States decreased between 2010 and 2023, although Germany remained consistently more dependent on China than on the United States. Dependence on China fell from 0.91 to 0.86, whereas dependence on the United States decreased more substantially, from 0.69 to 0.51.

Policies
Germany implemented multiple policies to reduce digital dependence between 2020 and 2026. While the country’s investments spanned a variety of tech areas, including cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, and domestic software solutions, the major focus appears to be on semiconductor production. This is evident in the new "European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company", a joint venture between TSMC, Bosch, Infineon and NXP. Located in Dresden, the ESMC was funded with up to five billion Euros, indicating Germany is trying to become more independent in this sphere of critical technology.