Technology and innovation policy has a long tradition in Saarland. Its first innovation strategy in 2001 made Saarland a pioneer among the German federal states. Innovation, research and development have been central themes of Saarland’s state policy ever since. Saarland is undergoing profound economic structural change. Global trends such as digitalisation and dynamic innovation cycles are accelerating the economic transformation process. Saarland therefore relies on research expertise and innovation as motors for growth and competitiveness. Over the last two decades, it has systematically built up a productive and diverse higher education and research landscape. The resulting non-university research potential, featuring outstanding and internationally renowned research institutions, grew out of the universities and is closely linked to them.
The Saarland state government relies on intensive knowledge flow between excellent research undertakings and the private sector in the state, as well as on the innovation potential of spin-offs and start-ups and a productive SME sector. The current priorities of Saarland’s research and innovation policy are the result of the Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation, with the participation of relevant stakeholders in the state. The strategy builds on the specific strengths of Saarland and aligns support and investment measures with key priorities and challenges. It also serves as an incentive for private sector investment in research and development. The Saarland Strategy for Innovation and Technology (2016–2023) is therefore a key element in the ongoing development and transformation of the state. Together with other initiatives, such as measures that are part of higher education development planning, the innovation strategy represents an overarching vision for the future of Saarland.
To meet the challenges of the coming years, the strategy aims to boost and expand research, development and innovation at universities and non-university research institutions, increase knowledge transfer and innovation diffusion, and expand and support entrepreneurship, start-ups and spin-offs. It also focuses strongly on stimulating research, development and innovation in companies and generating so-called cross-innovations via the key areas of informatics, smart production and automotive, and the life and materials sciences.
As an important basis for economically viable, marketable applications and products, innovation potentials are being developed in a variety of areas, including: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, extended realities and quantum technology, networked smart technologies (e.g. in industry, trade and transport), electrical and hydrogen technology, battery cells and mobility of the future, robotics and human–machine interactions, intelligent sensor systems, intelligent materials, pharmacy and active substance research, biomaterials, biomedicine and biochemistry, and medical technology. A clear example of the identification and implementation of cross-innovations is the BMBF-funded alliance Health.AI, which, under the management of cc-NanoBioNet e. V., will mobilise AI potentials for innovation processes in the healthcare sector.