Access to cutting-edge AI models as the key to German security and competitiveness

Current trends in AI development indicate that AI could reach transformative levels before the end of the decade. AI systems would then be so powerful that they would determine a significant part of the value creation and would be crucial for national security.

In such a scenario, what would be crucial for German companies and institutions would be access to top AI models, i.e. the most powerful models on the market. U.S. export restrictions this summer showed how easily we can lose that access.

Cutting-edge models are already central to cybersecurity today because they can identify previously undetected vulnerabilities in software. Open models could reach a similar level in just a few months. Because these are freely available, misuse can hardly be avoided. Only those who have access to top models can effectively defend themselves against AI-supported cyberattacks.

Top models are also extremely important for AI research itself. Those who have the best AI agents can train the next better model more quickly. If European developers lack access, catching up to the top is practically hopeless.