Research and innovation are key drivers of progress in Rhineland-Palatinate with its strong SME sector. The use of cutting-edge technologies is an important factor in the success of this process. Rhineland-Palatinate has a strong private sector, which, apart from independent companies and global corporations, is predominantly dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. Due to their particularly outstanding and promising potential, Rhineland-Palatinate is focusing on expanding biotechnology and boosting life science research, especially in the area of healthy ageing. Special focus will be placed on the areas of artificial intelligence, quantum technology and hydrogen technology.
The aim is to promote creative minds to work on solutions for tomorrow. To achieve this, Rhineland-Palatinate will further expand its favourable research and innovation environment. Precisely adapted regulatory frameworks and funding instruments make the location attractive and increase the competitive strength and viability of science and business. In the process, this creates and secures high-quality jobs, ensuring it is even more internationally competitive. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular also benefit from this.
The state has a dense network of universities and research institutions. For the ongoing development of its scientific landscape, Rhineland-Palatinate is employing coordinated measures to address priority topics and areas of growth. For example, the policy aims to attract top researchers in key areas, to establish and expand research infrastructures, and to expand non-university R&I facilities. It also strives to continue regional science alliances and to support higher education institutions in raising their profiles for scientific competition.
Even better support will be provided for the networking of universities, non-university research institutions and the private sector so that new ideas, new knowledge and new technologies can be transferred quickly and systematically from science into the private sector and society as innovations, and so that companies have access to the latest research. In order to support spin-offs, Rhineland-Palatinate is expanding its programmes in this area.
Rhineland-Palatinate’s innovation policy priorities are consolidated in the state’s Regional Innovation Strategy. This strategy brings together the various strategic approaches of the state for the use and further development of instruments of innovation and technology policy in Rhineland-Palatinate. In keeping with the motto ‘Strengthening, focusing and promoting competences’, it concentrates on the innovation and economic sectors that have the highest potential with the greatest regional competitive advantages and unique selling points.
Rhineland-Palatinate offers companies concrete support for technology-oriented start-ups, research and development, and knowledge and technology transfer. At the B2B level, support is provided for the development of expertise, networks and clusters that open up additional opportunities for SMEs to collaborate with other companies and science groups and increase their competitiveness.