Will machines replace us at our workplaces? Will our children no longer learn anything because they have their homework written by computers? Will we lose our ability to make judgements by relying on non-transparent digital systems to make important decisions? When artificial intelligence (AI) is discussed in Germany, the risks often take centre stage. The general ethical concerns are usually accompanied by theories about the economic impact of the new technologies: Germany has long been left behind anyway! We are being deprived of our strengths! We are becoming dependent on technologies developed elsewhere!

Following the latest breakthroughs in generative tools, artificial intelligence is currently the top technological topic — and is therefore increasingly shaping our work as the office responsible for protecting innovation. It is important to keep an eye on potential risks. At the same time, it should finally be clear to everyone: AI is not going away. Rather, it is a key driver of digital transformation. The economy and society are in transition. And such times do not only bear risks, but also bring along enormous opportunities: for healthcare, research and development, industrial automation, for all areas of life in fact. Especially in this early phase, it is important not to let AI happen like a force of nature, but to actively engage with it and recognise the potential for yourself or for your own organisation. The DPMA is doing this very intensively and is already making use of artificial intelligence, for example, for means of classification, for translating Asian patent literature and for carrying out searches. It is an extremely helpful tool that frees up resources for other important tasks. Further possibilities for application will undoubtedly be added.

Anyone who needs further proof of the central importance of AI can take a look at this annual report and its figures relating to the immense increase in innovation activity in this and other digital technologies. Why is Germany finding the transformation process more difficult than other countries? We spoke to Professor Uwe Cantner, Chairman of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation, about this question. By the way, experts emphasise that Germany is by no means lagging behind in the development of AI, but has an excellent research landscape.

So let us get to work! This could also be the headline for other topics of the Annual Report 2023. In their interview, our Vice-Presidents will give you an insight into important strategic challenges for the DPMA, which we are tackling in dialogue with our customers despite the challenging budgetary situation. We will also keep you up to date on how we aim to raise awareness of small and medium-sized enterprises in particular to IP protection — and how we are pursuing the Federal Government's sustainability goals in our field of responsibility.

I hope you enjoy reading — and stay innovative!

Yours, Eva Schewior