With its Strategy 2030, the DAAD formulates a vision aimed at overcoming global challenges through international academic exchange. This strategy is based on the DAAD motto ‘Change by Exchange’ and places a clear focus on sustainability, diversity and digitalisation. The strategy pursues a foreign science policy approach that emphasises the opportunities of international cooperation and at the same time consciously reflects potential risks. The DAAD Strategy 2030 emphasises the role of the DAAD as an actor in external science policy and science diplomacy. It also reflects the role and impact of the DAAD as a German and European organisation. Current developments at universities and in society are systematically analysed.

Against this background, the DAAD Strategy 2030 sets four priorities:

1. We are strengthening Germany as a centre of science, innovation and business.
2. We seek joint solutions to global challenges.
3. We shape science diplomacy in a multipolar world.
4. We promote democracy and social cohesion.

These priorities are systematically reflected in the ten strategic goals that the strategy formulates along the three central fields of action of the DAAD – funding, networking, advising – and the three strategic cross-cutting dimensions – sustainability, diversity, digitalisation.