Knowledge and technology transfer, forward-looking innovation and support for business start-ups are key levers for Germany’s competitiveness, societal progress and sustainable development. If new technologies, digital business models and social innovations are to be effective, a coordinated, enabling environment is needed which brings together research, business and society.
Targeted support for business founders, assistance for the SME sector and the establishment of flexible conditions allow research findings to be rapidly transferred into practical applications and Germany’s innovative strength to be boosted. In this context, the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation accelerates particularly visionary projects and also supports initiatives that are relevant for society as a whole.
The Federal Government is pursuing a forward-looking innovation policy which is strategic, agile and evidence-based, which more deeply embeds research and innovation in government activities, and which makes decision-making processes more efficient. In doing so, it is embracing digital and open administrative structures, driving forward the provision of open data, and opening itself up more to external input, including from business founders or stakeholders from civil society and the open source community.
A flexible framework makes a crucial contribution to allowing research findings to be implemented effectively in innovations. It includes living labs as test environments, reliable protection of intellectual property, standardisation structures, and public procurement that is conducive to innovation.
Start-ups and the SME sector receive targeted support: tailored financing instruments, the dismantling of bureaucratic obstacles and growth financing promote the commercialisation of innovations. SMEs are being empowered in relation to research, development and digital transformation so that technological advances can be widely used.
Regional clusters and networks bring together knowledge, technology and experience. Close cooperation between companies, research organisations and other partners builds trust and paves the way for the implementation of joint research and development projects. This leads to new products, processes and services that develop regional strengths and safeguard innovative strength over the long term.
More detailed information can be found in Chapter 11 of the Federal Report (in German).