germany policy profile
TRANSCRIPT
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GERMANY
General background Germany is clearly a big player in the world of highly innovative technologies, and KETs in particular.
Innovation policy has been a main policy priority of the Federal Government for several decades. All KET
play a significant role in the German innovation system and receive policy attention. The main national
innovation policy making bodies in Germany are the Ministry of Education & Research (BMBF, research
organisations, technology programmes) and the Ministry of Economics & Technology (BMWi, innovation-
oriented initiatives, R&D funding in SMEs). As Germany is a strong player within high technology and has
a strong innovation performance and solid S&T base, policy focus is on establishing better conditions for
innovation and technological progress and facilitating commercialization.
The majority of programmes for promotion and deployment of technologies are part of the “High-tech
Strategy for Germany”, launched in 2006 by the Federal Government as a cross-agency initiative (initial
budget of €14.6 billion for 2006 to 2010, continued in 2010 and adapted to cope with new societal
challenges). The High-Tech strategy is the first comprehensive national innovation strategy developed to
include all ministries in Germany. It aims at a incorporating all aspects of research and innovation and
therefore is a cross-cutting strategy that argues that innovation policy is more than just research policy.
The aim of this strategy is to strengthen Germany‘s position in the field of technology and promote the
transfer of research results into business applications. In the first phase of the High-tech Strategy, 17
priority fields of technological development were identified (in which KETs play a significant role) which
are a direct response to the challenge of keeping pace with high-tech technological change and will
receive preferential funding. In the second phase, technology fields were related to five grand challenges,
including energy, sustainability, health and nutrition, security, and mobility.
The aims of the High-tech Strategy can be summarized as follows:
o Coordination of innovation and research policies
o Science-industry links
o Internationalization of R&D
o Improvement of the conditions for start-ups
o Increasing the speed of technology diffusion
o Support of technology fields ascribed future importance (e.g. health and medicine, security
technologies, energy technologies, information and communication technologies, nanotechnology,
biotechnology, aerospace technologies, environment related technologies…)
The future viability of the German economy depends on whether Germany can achieve a leading position
in these areas of key technologies, as these are the drivers of innovation and the basis for new products,
processes and services. Funding of key technologies is geared towards solving specific problems in the
selected fields of action.
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Because of the successful model, an updated version “High-Tech Strategy 2020” is currently presented
by the Federal Government. The aim is ensure continuity in the overall approach of the High-Tech
Strategy and at the same time to update it by making certain modifications, focusing on specific topics
and engaging in social dialogue.
In addition to this overarching Federal Strategy, there are a large number of other German initiatives
targeting KETs, implemented by the BMBF or other promoting institutions.
This profile contains information about the following policy initiatives:
Policy initiatives Targeted KETs
Innovation Alliances Nanotechnology / Micro- and nanoelectronics /
Photonics/ Advanced manufacturing technologies
Optical Technologies Photonics
Photonics Research Germany Photonics
Framework Programme Microsystems 2004-2009 Nano- and microelectronics / Nanotechnology /
Advanced materials
Nano Initiative – Action Plan Nanotechnology
Framework Concept for the Production of
Tomorrow
Advanced manufacturing technologies / Nano-and
microelectronics
Framework Programme: Materials Innovations for
Industry and Society (WING)
Advanced Materials / Nanotechnology
Framework programme “Biotechnology – Using
and Shaping its Opportunities”
Industrial biotechnology
BioIndustry 2021 Industrial biotechnology
IGF – Promotion of Joint Industrial Research
(including ZUTECH)
Advanced manufacturing technologies
Central Innovation Programme SME Nanotechnology / Industrial biotechnology /
Advanced materials / Advanced manufacturing
technologies / Photonics / Micro- and
nanoelectronics
Top Cluster Competition No specific KET targeted
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INNOVATION ALLIANCES
(INNOVATIONSALLIANZEN)
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Nanotechnology o Micro- and nanoelectronics o Photonics o Advanced manufacturing technologies
General description
o Innovation alliances are a new instrument of public support to path-breaking industrial innovation that provide funding for strategic cooperation between industry and public research in key technology
areas that demand a large amount of resources and a long time horizon, but promise considerable innovation and economic impacts. Through a public-private partnership, the Federal Government
provides funding for R&D and other innovation-related activities for specific, long-term co-operative R&D projects. R&D activities can range from fundamental research to prototype development. Public funds are complemented by private money from the industry,
typically at a proportion of 1:5 (public:private). Each innovation alliance is set up through an industry initiative, is organized as a long-term co-operative research project and involves several
industry partners as well as public research organizations. Each innovation alliances focuses on the development of new path-breaking technologies in specific sectors or for cross-cutting areas.
o Each innovation alliance (project) is managed by a ‘Projektträger’ (programme management agency) which is specialized in the respective field of technology.
o Projects can be submitted by consortia of public and private actors
at any time. Since innovation alliances are long-term large-scale partnerships of industry and science, they typically emerge out of previous activities, they typically emerge out of previous activities,
often funded under the thematic R&D programmes. Proposals and project designs are often developed jointly by the consortia and the programme administering agency that is responsible for the
respective field of technology. o Projects are selected based on a quality assessment of the new
technology to be developed (i.e. it has to be a break-through technology of global impact that will strengthen the competitiveness
of the German economy) and a high-level of commitment of the industrial partners. Innovation alliances will receive funding as long as industry is ready to commit substantial private funding, typically
covering at least 80 percent of total project costs. o Each of the (currently) nine innovation alliances target a specific
field of technology:
EENOVA innovation alliance for automotive electronics OLED initiative for organic light emitting diodes Organic photovoltaics for the use of renewable energy Lithium-ion batteries for the storage of energy
Molecular imaging for medical engineering European Initiative 100 GET for digital product information CNT carbon nano tubes
Applied virtual technologies for product cycles Virtual/Ethernet transport technologies
Date of implementation
o 2007 – 2012
Target group(s)
o All companies o Higher education institutions: research units/centres
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o Other non-profit research organization (not HEI)
Overall budget
o €500 million provided by the Federal Government, more than €3 billion by industry
o Each Innovation alliance: ~5 years duration/30-120 mio. funding (depending on the commitment
Impact
o Since the programme started in 2007 and will run at least until
2012, no final results are available yet. The contribution of € 600 million from the Federal Government has attracted more than € 3 billion from business.
o So far, nine Innovation Alliances and a large number of “strategic partnerships” were created by the BMBF, the scientific community and industry. Each alliance is a large-scale, long-term R&D and
innovation project involving several actors from industry and science. One prominent example is the Innovation Alliance “Molecular Imaging for Medical Engineering” (nanotechnology) formed by Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Boehringer Ingelheim
Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Carl Zeiss AG, Karl Storz & GmbH Co. KG and Siemens AG. This alliance has set its sights on creating new diagnostic agents and imaging procedures for clinics and the
development of pharmaceuticals. Molecular imaging technologies aim at detecting biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. They offer an opportunity to detect diseases earlier and more
specifically, thereby improving current procedures of medical imaging and therapy control.
Information sources
o http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/693.phpERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory
(http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/cou
ntry_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0018) o Research in Germany about Innovation Alliances (http://www.research-in-germany.de/research-
landscape/rpo/networks-and-clusters/41832/10-3-innovation-alliances.html) o Federal Government on innovation alliances and strategic
partnerships (http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/693.php) o Information on carbon nano tubes Innovation Alliance
(http://www.inno-cnt.de/en/)
o Information on organic photovoltaics Innovation Alliance (http://www.fona.de/en/9986)
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OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES
(OPTISCHE TECHNOLOGIEN – MADE IN GERMANY. FÖRDERPROGRAMM OPTISCHE TECHNOLOGIEN)
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Photonics
General description
o The programme is part of the "High-Tech Strategy for Germany". o Optical technologies have a key function in the solution of important
societal challenges. Hence the BMBF funds projects in the realm of
health care systems and biotechnology, environment, traffic and mobility, nano-electronics, information and communication. The programme aims at developing scientific-technical bases,
strengthening innovation and competitiveness and supporting education and retraining. Topics and structural challenges are subdivided into three fields of action: next generation optical systems, innovative applications of light for humans, production and
the environment, creation of favourable start and general conditions. The main instrument for funding optical technologies are cooperative projects.
o Recent research findings even lead to the conclusion that the significance of optical technologies will even surpass that of electronic engineering, which they also supplement. The trend is to
perform as many tasks as possible with light, i.e. with photons. The new dimension of light provides elegant, gentle technical solutions.
Lasers are capable of machining, shaping and refining many different materials in all branches of industry, from automotive via
textiles to printing. On the other hand, light offers options for which there are no role models in the past, such as the production of tiny structures in future generations of chips, the transfer of huge
quantities of data via fibreglass cables for the information highway of the multi-media society, rapid drug research with optical biochips for diseases previously thought to be incurable, or the use of optical
screening methods for controlling food products. o The selection process is two-fold:
1. In the first step, project outlines for cooperative projects can be submitted to the appropriate project operating organization.
Proposals have to build on the international state-of-the-art of research and technology and consider relevant outcomes of former BMBF funding. Project outlines are reviewed by BMBF and the
operating organization and based on the following criteria: societal requirement economic and technical importance, traceability of the
realization-concept scientific-technical quality novelty and plausibility of the method of resolution qualification of partners
project management and project structure scientific-technical and economic risk
2. If selected, in a second step the partners of selected projects
have to present a formal, more detailed claim for funding. o Topics and structural challenges of the programme are subdivided
into three fields of action:
optical systems, especially next generation optical systems innovative applications of light for humans, production and
the environment creation of favourable start and general conditions.
Basic research highlights are quantum optimal engineering, new optical functions through micro- and nano-structuring of optical materials, optical technology based on organic
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materials, Femto-biology etc.
Date of implementation
o 2002 – 2012
Target group(s)
o All companies o Consultancies and other private service providers (non-profit) o Scientists / researchers (as individuals)
o Higher education institutions: research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI) o Higher education institutions (education function)
o Private institutions for education / lifelong learning o Technology and innovation centers (non-profit) o Business organizations (Chambers of Commerce...) o New technology based firms/new knowledge intensive service firms
o Cooperative projects with industry and research institutions are the main funding instrument. Young scientists should be part of these networks and should have an opportunity to gain better qualifications in order to establish spin-offs.
Overall budget
o € 279 500 000
Impact
o VDI Technologiezentrum, the administrating agency, claims that the
programme has been quite successful. The competitiveness of the German industry has been strengthened. The public-private partnership scheme has led to increases in private investment in
R&D. The programme's success is also reflected by the fact that
there have been no major changes from the first to the second programme periods.
o In 2010 the global turnover of optical technologies was about € 250
billion of which German companies held a nine percent share with an export ratio of nearly 70 percent. These around 1000 predominantly medium-sized photonics enterprises show a
sustainable annual growth rate of about eight percent. Optical technologies represent an impressive branch of industry with a current workforce of around 125000 employees in Germany which is about to grow by another 20000 until 2015.
o A new study of the leveraging impact of photonics says that optical technologies underpin at least 10 percent of the European economy. Its enormous growth potential is mainly based on the innovation
power as a result of well-educated staff and investments in research and development of 13.4 percent of the 2010 turnover. Due to this strong R&D focus the cooperation between science and industry is of
highest importance for photonics. This is why the photonics industry has committed itself to invest approximately € 30 billion in R&D over the next 10 years in Germany, to create economic growth and jobs. Additionally the BMBF announced a new funding program on
May the 23, 2011 in Munich, in that the federal government bounds itself to spend almost € 1 billion for R&D in photonics over the next ten years.
o The German Competence Networks for Optical Technologies unite companies, research and education institutions, technology transfer agencies, business development companies, investors and public-
law corporations. Their common aim is to support the development and application of Optical Technologies – Made in Germany (http://www.optecnet.de/). OptecNet Deutschland has more than 500 members, divided into nine regional Competence Networks for
Optical Technologies in Germany: Bayern Photonics, HansePhotonik, OpTecBB, OpTech-Net, Optence, OptoNet, PhotonAix, PhotonicNet and Photonics BW.
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o Follow-up programme: Photonics 2020
Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0029
o Research in Germany on Optical Technologies http://www.research-in-germany.de/optical_technologies
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PHOTONICS RESEARCH GERMANY
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Photonics
General description
o Follow-up of “Optical Technologies – Made in Germany”, but also start of new era. Focus is also on completely new technologies, which allow Germany to enter in the growing markets of the future.
o With the over 170 pages research agenda “Photonik 2020”, the German photonics community has agreed upon guidelines for the next ten years concerning further research and development of the German high-tech-branch centered around the use of light.
o The programme is part of the "High-Tech Strategy for Germany". o Optical technologies have a key function in the solution of important
societal challenges. Hence the BMBF funds projects in the realm of
health care systems and biotechnology, environment, traffic and mobility, nano-electronics, information and communication. The programme aims at developing scientific-technical bases,
strengthening innovation and competitiveness and supporting education and retraining. Topics and structural challenges are subdivided into three fields of action: next generation optical systems, innovative applications of light for humans, production and
the environment, creation of favourable start and general conditions. The main instrument for funding optical technologies is
cooperative projects.
o Recent research findings even lead to the conclusion that the significance of optical technologies will even surpass that of electronic engineering, which they also supplement. The trend is to
perform as many tasks as possible with light. The new dimension of light provides elegant, gentle technical solutions. Lasers are capable of machining, shaping and refining many different materials in all branches of industry, from automotive via textiles to printing. On
the other hand, light offers options for which there are no role models in the past, such as the production of tiny structures in future generations of chips, the transfer of huge quantities of data
via fibreglass cables for the information highway of the multi-media society, rapid drug research with optical biochips for diseases previously thought to be incurable, or the use of optical screening
methods for controlling food products. o The selection process is two-fold:
o In the first step, project outlines for cooperative projects can be submitted to the appropriate project operating
organization. Proposals have to build on the international state-of-the-art of research and technology and consider relevant outcomes of former BMBF funding. Project outlines
are reviewed by BMBF and the operating organization and based on the following criteria:
societal requirement
economic and technical importance, traceability of
the realization-concept scientific-technical quality novelty and plausibility of the method of resolution
qualification of partners project management and project structure scientific-technical and economic risk
o If selected, in a second step the partners of selected projects have to present a formal, more detailed claim for funding.
o Topics and structural challenges of the programme are subdivided
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into three fields of action:
o optical systems, especially next generation optical systems o innovative applications of light for humans, production and
the environment o creation of favourable start and general conditions. o Basic research highlights are quantum optimal engineering,
new optical functions through micro- and nano-structuring
of optical materials, optical technology based on organic materials, Femto-biology etc.
Date of implementation
o 2012 – No specific end date
Target group(s)
o All companies involved in research and innovation o Scientists / researchers (as individuals)
o Higher education institutions: research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI) o Higher education institutions (education function) o Private institutions for education / lifelong learning
o Technology and innovation centers (non-profit) o New technology based firms
Cooperative projects with industry and research institutions are the main funding instrument. Young scientists should be part of these networks and should have an opportunity to gain better
qualifications in order to establish spin-offs.
Overall budget
o 2002-2011: € 75 Mio /year
o Subsequent “Photonics research Germany” designed to 10 years (starting 2012): € 100 Mio/year
Impact
o Utilization plan of research results: Yes o Number of start-ups, spin-offs emerging from the program : Yes,
program level
o Valorisation requirements/results Uptake by industry: yes, utilization plan
o VDI Technologiezentrum, the administrating agency, states that the
programme has been successful. The competitiveness of the German industry has been strengthened. The public-private partnership scheme has led to increases in private investment in R&D.
o In 2010 the global turnover of optical technologies was about € 250 billion of which German companies held a nine percent share with an export ratio of nearly 70 percent. These around 1000
predominantly medium-sized photonics enterprises show a sustainable annual growth rate of about eight percent. Optical technologies represent an impressive branch of industry with a
workforce of around 125000 employees in 2010 in Germany which is about to grow by another 20000 until 2015.
o A recent study of the leveraging impact of photonics says that optical technologies underpin at least 10 percent of the European
economy. Its enormous growth potential is mainly based on the innovation power as a result of well-educated staff and investments
in research and development of 13.4 percent of the 2010 turnover.
Due to this strong R&D focus the cooperation between science and industry is of highest importance for photonics. This is why the photonics industry has committed itself to invest approximately € 30
billion in R&D over the next 10 years in Germany, to create economic growth and jobs.
o The German Competence Networks for Optical Technologies unite companies, research and education institutions, technology transfer
agencies, business development companies, investors and public-law corporations. Their common aim is to support the development
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and application of Photonics (http://www.optecnet.de/). OptecNet
Deutschland has more than 500 members, divided into nine regional Competence Networks for Optical Technologies in Germany: Bayern
Photonics, HansePhotonik, OpTecBB, OpTech-Net, Optence, OptoNet, PhotonAix, PhotonicNet and Photonics BW
Information sources
o http://www.photonikforschung.de http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/350.php Dr.-Ing. Holger Junge Abteilungsleiter
Laser- und Optikforschung Projektträger des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH
VDI-Platz 1, 40468 Düsseldorf Tel.: +49 2 11 62 14-5 45 Fax: +49 2 11 62 14-1 59
[email protected] o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory (http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0029)
o Research in Germany on Optical Technologies (http://www.research-in-germany.de/optical_technologies)
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FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME MICROSYSTEMS 2004-2009
(RAHMENPROGRAMM MIKROSYSTEME 2004-2009)
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Nano- and microelectronics o Nanotechnology o Advanced materials
General description
o The programme is part of the "High-Tech Strategy for Germany".
o The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) considers microsystems engineering and nanotechnology to be two complementing disciplines of miniaturization in science and
technology. Nanotechnology provides access to so far unused, completely novel effects. Microsystems engineering allows for the development of complete systems solutions due to its pronounced
systemic capability. Microsystems Technology has been supported by the BMBF since 1990. An international evaluation team that analysed the funding by the Ministry, the current stage of development as well as future prospects in MST, confirmed that the
support for MST was highly effective. However, they also found that there are still many obstacles to the innovation process that require a continued national effort. These obstacles have a determining
influence on the technological policy issues of the “Microsystems” framework program, which is a follow-up to the “Microsystems technology 2000+” program concluded in 2003:
Improved networking of R&D facilities, MST manufacturers and users, with special regard to the requirements and interests of medium-sized enterprises
Enhancement of the technological and structural base for
development and production services to manufacture MST products and components efficiently and cost-effectively
Development of modular MST to become practical and
tested interfaces and standards Securing future technological options of system integration
through the timely development of new technologies
Further development of education and training possibilities in MST
Facilitating innovation financing in the MST area and their applications
o The BMBF is aiming for the maximum economic and social leverage effect with the currently starting “Microsystems” framework program. Discussing the issue with the parties involved from
industry and research, the BMBF is seeking to identify those thematic fields where well-defined obstacles to innovation have to be overcome and funding will have its maximum economic and
social impact. The focus of the program is on collaborative projects between industry (SMEs) and research.
o The Nano- and Microsystems Program is aimed at developing application-tailored solutions. The BMBF is pursuing interdisciplinary
approaches based on a pool of technologies comprising mechanical, optical, magnetic, fluidic, electrical, materials science, and information technology competences. The approach is characterized
by the use of nano-scaled functional entities (materials, structures, components) in particular to develop innovative and economically attractive solutions.
o The combination of microsystems engineering and nanotechnology approaches results in the following benefits:
Access to materials, components, and systems with new functions and effects
Increased functional density on system platforms
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Improvement of already implemented products
Use of novel processes and techniques to open up new fields of application and business
Efficient solutions for the saving of resources and the avoidance of waste
o Demand-oriented technological priorities are defined and existing priorities revised over the whole term of duration of the Framework
Programme. The definition of the priorities thereby closely follows the concept of lead innovations. Lead innovations are innovations based on novel technologies which are targeted at value added
chains with great macroeconomic potential. The most important feature of a lead innovation is its high leverage effect in terms of growth and employment. The first priority themes that have already
been identified are (further themes will be added once the scheme is carried out):
Microsystems to improve safety, reliability, eco-compatibility and connectivity in automobiles
Smart Labels for logistics in the fields of manufacture, transport, trade as well as waste disposal and recycling
Micro engineering
o Key areas of funding are: Micro fuel cell Integrated microsystems for biotechnological applications
(bioMST) Preventive micro medicine MST for Smart Label applications in the field of logistics
(MST Smart Label)
MST for Driver Assistance Systems First application of computer-assisted tools for Micro process engineering, the New Chemistry
Measuring and testing techniques for the fabrication of microsystems
Date of implementation
o 2004 – 2009
Target group(s)
o All companies o Higher education institutions: research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI) o New technology based firms/new knowledge intensive service firms
Overall budget
o € 180 500 000
Impact
o The forerunner Microsystems Framework Programme was evaluated
(ex-post) in 2002, the results are altogether affirmative hence the present funding was as measured by aims and challenges successful. Since the programme started in 1990, altogether 349
projects have been funded until 2002 with a budget of € 543 mio, altogether 801 enterprises and research establishments have taken part in the projects. The evaluation team states an increasing participation of industry and an increasing shift in structure:
development and implementation have become more important than research. The programme even advanced the building of new research associations, the number of co-operations between SMEs,
large-scale enterprises and research establishments increased and a lot of new partnerships between different disciplines and actors have been built. Hence the participator’s expectations were fulfilled, 2/3
are willing to continue with R&D projects on the basis of self-financing. (evaluation report: http://www.mstonline.de/publikationen/download/mst2000_teil1.pdf)
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o A total of 490 application-based research projects are currently
being funded, involving an overall volume of funding of € 184 million.
Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory
http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0024
o BMBF http://www.bmbf.de/en/5701.php;
http://www.bmbf.de/pub/microsystems.pdf; http://www.mstonline.de/microsystems
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NANO INITIATIVE – ACTION PLAN
(NANOTECHNOLOGY CONQUERS MARKETS: GERMAN INNOVATION INITIATIVE FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY)
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Nanotechnology
General description
o The programme is part of the "High-Tech Strategy for Germany" and is a joint initiative by 8 ministries: BMBF + Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), Federal Ministry for the
Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg), Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and
Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV)
o Since nanotechnology is getting more and more important, the German Federal Government has launched the new initiative "Nano
Initiative - Action Plan 2010". The underlying rationale is characterized by a new strategy for funding and support of nanotechnology. Hence, the BMBF focuses the strategy on
the creation of new jobs and markets leading-edge innovations networking of research institutions and actors
using chances of European and international co-operation strengthening of SMEs and new spin-offs
supporting young scientists initiating societal discourses concerning nanotechnology's
chances and risks o The main elements of the strategy are to open up potential markets
and boost employment prospects in the field of nanotechnology.
The green light will initially be given to funding for four leading-edge innovations:
NanoMobil – automotive sector
NanoLux – optics industry NanoforLife – pharmaceuticals and medical
technology NanoFab – electronics
NanoChance, a new BMBF funding measure for targeted support of R&D intensive small and medium-sized enterprises, which offers existing companies assistance in
the early stage of consolidation, will be established The coordination between institutional BMBF funding - here
especially with regard to synergy effects with the
programme orientated research of the HGF (Helmholtz Association) Centers and funding for nanosciences through the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) and project support based on structural measures (networking,
determining core topics, regular knowledge exchanges) will be optimized
o Measures to support innovation will also be implemented to
supplement these main elements. For the funding of young scientists, the Junior Researcher Nanotechnology Competition will be continued. The aim of this competition, which was founded in
May 2002, is to recognize new innovative approaches at an early stage and to attract top young scientists who have emigrated abroad back to Germany. In addition, activities in the areas of standardization, patents, and training and further education will be
launched o Simultaneously: “Nanodialogue 2006-2008” on opportunities and
risks of nanomaterials and NanoTruck nanotechnology information
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center on wheels since 2008 touring Germany and educating the
general public on scientific basics and fields of application of nanotechnology.
Date of implementation
o 2002 –
Target group(s)
o All companies o Consultancies and other private service providers (non-profit) o Scientists / researchers (as individuals)
o Higher education institutions: research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI) o Higher education institutions (education function)
o Technology and innovation centers (non-profit) o Business organizations (Chambers of Commerce...) o New technology based firms/new knowledge intensive service firms
Overall budget
o No explicit limitation
Impact
o Examples of outcomes from this programme are: NanoCare – Health Aspects of Synthetic Nanoparticles:
Creation of an Information- and Knowledge-Base for
Innovative Material Research Partners: 6 industrial partners, 7 research
institutions
Duration: 01.03.2006 to 28.02.2009
Funding: € 5.01 mio, costs: € 7.63 mio INOS – Evaluation of health risks of nanoparticles – A
contribution to the sustainable development of
nanotechnology Partners: 3 research institutions, 1 industrial partner Duration: 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2008
Funding: € 1.1 mio, costs: € 1.25 mio TRACER – Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment of Carbon
Nanomaterials
Partners: 4 industrial partners, 1 research institution Duration: 01.03.2006 to 28.02.2009 Funding: € 1.6 mio, costs: € 3.04 mio
o The Federal Government's “Nanotechnology 2015 Action Plan”
carries on from the successful “Nano-Initiative – Action Plan 2010”. o Received a lot of (inter)national press attention
Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/co
untry_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0041 o BMBF
http://www.bmbf.de/en/nanotechnologie.php;
http://www.bmbf.de/pub/nanotechnology_conquers_markets.pdf o Federal Government
http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/236.php
o Information on some projects funded
ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/nanotechnology/docs/projects_funded_in_de_martin_vogt.pdf
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FRAMEWORK CONCEPT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TOMORROW
(RAHMENKONZEPT "FORSCHUNG FÜR DIE PRODUKTION VON MORGEN")
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Advanced manufacturing technologies o Nano-and microelectronics
General description
o The research programme has post-hoc been taken under the umbrella of the "High-Tech Strategy for Germany" policy document.
The main rationale is to foster the manufacturing industries of Germany in an ever more dynamic and competitive environment. In order to be able to withstand the pricing pressure resulting from the
enhanced mobility of goods, capital and information the German manufacturing industries need to develop new production technologies and systems. At the same time, there is a tendency
towards faster product changes and the individual customization of products. Research in the four main fields of action is supported to meet these new challenges. Within and across these thematic areas, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) "supports
research on new production technologies with the objective of developing model solutions for future-oriented production in Germany and providing research results for broad use in particular
in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)." o The research programme has been designed as a "learning
programme" in which expert forums identify research needs to be
addressed consequently in collaborative research projects. o Applications will be assessed along the following criteria:
Orientation towards the future (cutting-edge technology, high risk innovation)
Economic relevance Systemic approach (interdisciplinarity, cooperation between
business and science, concepts for project controlling)
Broad range of potential impact (sector-wise), education and further training aspects
o The research programme is problem-driven and highlights the
importance of very different scientific fields and disciplines. The framework concept comprises four thematic fields of action: 1. Market orientation and strategic product planning
Software and product development
Prototype production Sustainable production Business segment planning
2. Production processes and production equipment Primary shaping and recasting Chipping
Surfaces and layers Heat treatment Assembling Measurement engineering
3. Cooperation of producing enterprises Logistics Cooperation
4. People in flexible enterprises Skilled industrial labour Plant design
Assembling Company development
Date of implementation
o 1999 –
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Target group(s)
o All companies
o Higher education institutions: research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI)
o Business organizations (Chambers of Commerce...) o
Overall budget
o € 403 000 000
Impact
o An evaluation covering the period between 1999 and 2004 confirms
that "the funding of cooperative projects has strengthened the innovativeness and competitiveness of the participating enterprises". This holds true "especially for SMEs". Programme
management by Projektträger FZ Karlsruhe was commended by participant enterprises to be efficient.
Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory
http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0031
o Evaluation report in German http://www.produktionsforschung.de/index.htm
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FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME: MATERIALS INNOVATIONS FOR INDUSTRY AND SOCIETY (WING)
(RAHMENPROGRAMM: “WERKSTOFFINNOVATIONEN FÜR INDUSTRIE UND GESELLSCHAFT (WING)”
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Advanced Materials o Nanotechnology
General description
o The programme is part of the "High-Tech Strategy for Germany".
o Materials research has intensive impacts on a large number of other technology fields: nanoelectronics, optical technologies and production engineering are deeply anchored in modern materials
science. Securing and expanding a leading position in materials development are therefore the key to lastingly strengthening the international competitiveness of many enterprises.
o Based on the three leading goals of WING (strengthening the enterprises’ innovative power, considering social demand, using research and technology for sustainable developments) material-based product innovations are to be generated in a holistic approach
while simultaneously taking account of the social demand for new material developments and of sustainability aspects. In its lead goals the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) wants
WING thus to orient to the internationally agreed cornerstones of sustainability: economy – ecology – society. In concrete terms, these requirements are reflected in the specific funding activities,
which focus on relevant topics such as health, mobility, information/communications and sustainability.
o At the project level, the WING framework programme pursues the following goals, which act as research policy guidelines:
exploiting the innovation potential of materials and their technologies with a view to developing new products and processes with great social benefit (e.g. intelligent
materials) accelerating the innovation process in industry by creating
efficient cooperation structures between industry and
science with increasing incorporation of SMEs (e.g. by building up suitable infrastructures, collaborative projects)
contributing towards solving socially relevant problems especially caused by demographic developments in our
society (e.g. cost explosion in the health sector) dovetailing R&D with education/training initiatives, among
other things, by supporting young professionals and
encouraging training and continuing education activities in industry and science contributing towards creating a European research area and intensifying internationalization,
above all by greater participation of German R&D actors in the EU framework programmes, but also expanding bilateral cooperation with countries like China, Korea, Brazil and Israel.
o The project proposals submitted are evaluated and compete with each other. Subject to deviating regulations in the calls for proposals, in particular, the following criteria apply to the evaluation
of projects: contribution towards strengthening the innovative power of
enterprises
considering social needs including the aspects of sustainability leverage effect of the respective materials development for
industrial application
level of innovation and risk of the envisaged R&D goals
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expertise of the partners and appropriate project structure
economic overall benefit of the project. The administrative effort on the part of the applicants is to be
limited as far as possible by a multistage selection procedure. o The WING programme focuses on ten exemplary fields of action:
Nanotechnology materials concepts - small dimensions, large effects
Computational materials science - computer-based new concepts
Bionic materials - natural structural principles in engineering
Materials, chemistry and the life sciences - people take centre stage
Substances and reactions - chemical processes to develop
new materials Layers and interfaces - protection, function, action Mobility, energy and information; lightweight construction -
light materials and structures
Resource-efficient materials - the factor 4 approach Intelligent materials - controlling without a control unit Electromagnetic functional materials - driver of the
information society. o The fields of action involved do not give priority to material classes
or application technologies, but deliberately focus on the following
general priority topics based on the programme’s lead goals, which are strongly linked with each other and are open to the latest developments:
fundamental, visionary fields of action characterized by
extensive interdisciplinarity long development periods and a high cross-sectional
function for other areas of materials research
health- and thus society-related fields of action, which especially address materials problems in medical engineering and the life sciences. This also includes
sustainable chemical processes for the production of environmentally compatible feedstock and materials
technology-driven fields of action from the areas of mobility, energy and information, in which new products and
processes are to be generated by means of new materials.
Date of implementation
o 2004 –
Target group(s)
o All companies o Consultancies and other private service providers (non-profit) o Scientists / researchers (as individuals)
o Higher education institutions: research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI) o Technology and innovation centers (non-profit) o Business organizations (Chambers of Commerce...)
o New technology based firms/new knowledge intensive service firms The BMBF emphasizes the need for research cooperation;
multidisciplinarity should be increased by networking the scientific
disciplines and technologies of relevance for successful materials development, if possible, at the project level.
Overall budget
o Not available
Impact
o An example of an outcome with support of this programme is the Inno. CNT initiative, an alliance of around 90 renowned partners from science and industry, has the job of driving the development of carbon nanotubes (http://inno-cnt.de/en/)
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Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory
http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0006
o BMBF http://www.bmbf.de/en/3780.php
o Projektträger Jülich http://www.ptj.de/index.php?index=642
o Federal Government http://www.foerderinfo.bund.de/en/302.php
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FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME “BIOTECHNOLOGY – USING AND SHAPING ITS OPPORTUNITIES”
(RAHMENPROGRAMM BIOTECHNOLOGIE – CHANCEN NUTZEN UND GESTALTEN)
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Industrial biotechnology
General description
o Biosciences have developed into one of the fastest-growing and
most important fields of innovation. In Germany, as in other countries, biotechnology has become a field in which an increasing number of innovative companies are actively engaged. Well-
coordinated start-up and research programmes have successfully stimulated the establishment of small and medium-sized biotech firms. Hence support for biotechnology in Germany is to ensure that
the high international standard of performance in the biosciences is maintained in the coming years. Funds are to be provided for innovation processes which aim to preserve and improve human health, to protect and conserve the environment and to secure and
create jobs. The prerequisites for sustainable development are to be created through efficient basic research, ensuring the availability of sufficient expertise, the use of innovative technologies for improving
production methods and services, and through a radical change in industrial production techniques by means of the introduction of biotechnological processes.
o BMBF adopted a new strategy for Biotechnology in order to strengthen Germany’s position in this specific and growing field of
research. BMBF emphasizes the importance of funding research in this field: biotechnology as a motor of innovations with an enormous
growth and employment potential and as a research area that provides services to many application-oriented disciplines. The framework programme Biotechnology aims to ensure the high
international standing of the biosciences and to develop new innovation potentials. It serves as an umbrella framework for a number of biotechnology initiatives. This programme defines the
political framework for the biotechnology support during the present decade. The resulting specific measures will be continuously published as separate funding concepts. The programme framework is to ensure that the various funding measures are linked with each
other to produce synergies. The topics of the programme have been coordinated with activities under other funding programmes, particularly the health and environmental research programmes of
the Federal Government in order to ensure that research results are applied as soon as possible.
o The guiding principles of research policy:
Increasing investment in research and education Educating more scientists Ensuring efficient basic research – developing the research
system
Increasing project support Promoting interdisciplinarity
Learning from nature
Using the opportunities of globalization Stimulating start-ups – a joint effort to create innovation
and jobs
Strengthening the internationalization process Improving conditions Science dialogue – assessing and highlighting opportunities
o In order to implement the strategy for funding biotechnology, all
targeted fields are organized in form of subprogrammes, e.g.: BioFuture* Human Frontier Science Programme
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BioChance
INREMOS GABI
GABI Futur Methods to replace animal experiments* Bionik BioProfile
BioRegio Biological security research Networks of molecular nutrition research
GenMikPlus* GoBio/ExistGoBio*
(* for details see template overview)
o Researchers have to write a brief description of the R&D project, second they have to get in touch with the contact at the project management agency who is given in the announcement. If necessary, researchers should obtain advice from the project
management agency on the scientific and technical content and the exploitation strategy, the funding prerequisites and terms and conditions for the awarding of grants while taking into consideration
the criteria and provisions stated in the funding announcement. Next, they have to write a project application, fill in the application forms and submit them to the project management agency in
charge. o The programme is focused on innovation in industrial, medical and
plant biotechnology.
The main topics are:
Basic innovations (genome research, structural molecular biology, bioinformatics, nanobiotechnology, neurosciences)
Research for applications (tissue engineering, environmental
friendly bioprocesses, nutrition) Preventive research (biological safety, biodiversity animal
protection)
Date of implementation
o 2001 – 2010
Target group(s)
o All companies o Consultancies and other private service providers (non-profit)
o Scientists/researchers (as individuals) o Higher education institutions research units/centers o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI)
o Higher education institutions (education function) o Technology and innovation centers (non-profit) o Business organizations (Chambers of Commerce...) o New technology based firms/new knowledge intensive service firms
Overall budget
o € 800 000 000
Impact
o Altogether, over € 980 million was provided for the biotechnology framework programme between 2001 and 2005. After a new
notification by the European Commission in 2006, the programme was extended for another five years. Funding of biotechnology projects meanwhile amounts to a total of € 1 billion.
o The Federal Government’s new programmes are entitled "National Research Strategy BioEconomy 2030" and "Health Research: Scientific Research for the People".
Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/co
untry_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0030
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o BMBF on Bio-Economy and Innovative Regional Growth Cores
http://www.bmbf.de/en/1024.php o BMBF brochure on the framework programme
http://www.bmbf.de/pub/framework_programme_biotechnology-using_and_shaping_its_opportunities.pdf
o Projektträger Jülich on the framework programme http://www.ptj.de/index.php?index=588
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BIO INDUSTRY 2021
(GERMAN CLUSTERS IN JOINT ACTION FOR INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY)
Implementing body
o Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Targeted KETs
o Industrial Biotechnology
General description
o In order to further promote industrial biotechnology, the Federal
Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) initiated the cluster competition BioIndustry 2021 in the autumn of 2006. The ultimate aim is to boost the strategic partnership between economy and
science in general. o The defining goal of the BioIndustry 2021 competition is to bring
together the necessary institutions and disciplines, e.g. life sciences,
chemistry, physics, computer science as well as engineering sciences (e.g. process engineering, machine and equipment construction, process and cybernetics, analytics), and to promptly and efficiently organise them into interdisciplinary project teams.
Strategic clusters are hoped to emerge out of the framework of the competition, which will merge all the involved parties into a network architecture. This network will include research establishments and
companies, venture capital financers and banks, which will work together to define core competencies, forms of financing, to develop strategies for future markets and to implement suitable projects in
the common interest. As part of the funding initiative, these self-organising clusters will themselves take part in a broader
competition, which is intended to strengthen the location of Germany for industrial biotechnology
o In late 2008, the winners of the nationwide competition BioIndustry 2021 launched by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) set up the work group BioIndustry 2021. Its aim is
to support the development of industrial biotechnology on a national as well as on an international level and to ensure Germany’s leading position even beyond the five year funding period of “BioIndustry
2021”. The work group wants to make the newly created value chains transparent in order to illustrate the advantages and the potential of industrial biotechnology. By synergies, the partners want to add value to the whole industry. The winning clusters
BioIndustry 2021 are: www.biocatalysis2021.com – Hamburg www.clib2021.de/en - Düsseldorf
www.biopolymers.com – Stuttgart www.cib-frankfurt.de – Frankfurt www.biom-wb.de – Munich
Date of implementation
o 2006 –
Target group(s)
o Companies, SMEs, research organizations and academia engaged in industrial biotechnology
Overall budget
o € 60 000 000
Impact
o The BIOCATALYSIS2021 Cluster, with more than 70 partners throughout Germany, links the unique expert knowledge of large
concerns, small and medium-sized companies, academic research groups and agencies for innovation or economic development. Networking of the partners ensures that basic science is translated by the chemical, cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical and detergent
industries into innovative products covering the entire value chain from screening to end user. The primary goals of BIOCATALYSIS2021 are:
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Development of new biocatalysts able to achieve novel
syntheses under unusual operating conditions (such as extreme temperature, pressure, pH, salinity and solvent
ranges). Innovative screening technologies, more efficient production
and processing technologies Initiation of national and international cooperation
Promotion of young scientists and business start-ups o CLIB2021 is a cluster with more than 70 members, mainly from
industry and small and medium-sized companies. Among the
members are also large concerns, academic facilities, investors and infrastructure organisations. CLIB2021 initiates and accompanies R&D in the areas of renewable raw materials, monomers and
polymers, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, body care and cosmetics; where necessary, we arrange for public funding from the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, and the EU. Since 2008, CLIB2021 has
initiated R&D projects to a total volume of around € 50 million. o The Cluster Biopolymers/Biomaterials supports R&D projects which,
as a result of process optimization along the entire value chain,
develop innovative biomaterials at competitive prices and make them accessible for a wide market. In this context, traditional chemical processes are being increasingly optimized or replaced by
the use of biotechnological methods. The development of organically based plastics in joint projects integrating research facilities and end users makes it possible to match the requirements of the target
markets at an early date, thus facilitating the launching of new
products in the market. o The main focus here is on the technical plastics such as polyesters
and polyamides. If the separate elements of these classes of
products can be successfully produced at high yield levels and in high purity by fermentation, the foundation will be laid for the production of high-tech plastics on the basis of renewable raw
materials. o CIB is the Frankfurt Cluster for Industrial Biotechnology. The Cluster
concentrates mainly on industrial (or “white”) biotechnology, with special emphasis on fine and specialty chemicals. For the realization
of such projects, the Frankfurt Cluster has the support of about 80 partners from science and industry with their competences in the key technologies of enzyme catalysis, fermentation and downstream
processing. o The BioM WB network for promoting White Biotechnology in Bavaria
is devoted to technology transfer. It is characterized by its highly
dynamic innovation alliances between industrial concerns, small and medium-sized companies and academia engaged in interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and international activities. BioM WB catalyses the formation of project consortia, supports and accelerates the
identification of suitable financial sources, provides background information and represents the interests of the network partners in their dialogue with politics. Technological specialties:
Third-generation biorefinery, integrated utilization of biomass from residual materials
Platform chemicals, specialty and fine chemicals, polymers
Technical proteins
Information sources
o http://bioindustry2021.eu/index.php/page/BioIndustry-2021-2010-07-05
o http://biokatalyse2021.de/en/?page=BMBF_BioIndustrie_2021
o http://www.research-in-germany.de/78090/2011-10-06-meet-german-leading-edge-clusters-at-biotechnica-2011,print=true,slc=dachportal_2Fen.html
26
o http://www.biotechnologie.de/BIO/Navigation/EN/Service/search,did=64648.html?listBlId=78172&searchText=BioIndustrie%25202021
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IGF – PROMOTION OF JOINT INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (INCLUDING ZUTECH)
(INDUSTRIELLE GEMEINSCHAFTFORSCHUNG (IGF))
Implementing body
o German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF)
Targeted KETs
o Advanced manufacturing technologies
General description
o The IGF (“Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung”) programme offers
direct grants for R&D projects which are carried out by sectoral research institutions or - on behalf of these institutions - by consortia of companies and/or research organizations. The
programme is solely accessible to 106 sectoral research institutions that are members of the Association of Industrial Research Organizations (AiF). These institutions have been founded by SMEs
from certain sectors in order to carry out R&D that is in the joint interest of the membership firms. Objective of the programme is the mitigation of structure-related disadvantages of SMEs in R&D activities. Joint R&D is intended to support co-operation with
institutes of higher education and industry related research institutes and thereby diversify risk associated with R&D activities and put SMEs in the position to participate in the R&D results.
o The ZUTECH programme is a special part of the IGF scheme which targets special fields of technology which are perceived of being of particular importance to technological competitiveness of SMEs and
aims at developing new solutions for structural renewal of the SME sector of the German economy on the base of high-grade
technologies. o Selection criteria are:
IGF: R&D which is directed towards the introduction of new products and/or services but is located in a pre-competitive stage. R&D projects must be applied by a membership
organization of the AiF. The transfer of R&D results to firms and thus to the market must be ensured.
ZUTECH: R&D projects are evaluated along the following
aspects: Technical and scientific quality Number of participating IGF Economic relevance Transferability to SMEs
Date of implementation
o 1994 – No end date planned
Target group(s)
o All companies
o Other non-profit research organizations (not HEI) R&D subsidies are provided solely for organizations which are member in the AiF (Association of industrial Research
Organizations). There are today 106 members, representing a total of more than 50.000 firms, most of them being SMEs. AiF also comprises about 700 research units.
Overall budget
o Since the programme has no end date, no overall budget figure is available
o Budget for 2008 was € 123 000 000, for 2010 € 130 000 000.
Impact
o The last evaluation was published in 2010 and covers the funding period 2005 to 2009. Results of IGF projects were widely used by companies. On average, the outcomes of IGF projects were used by
3.3 companies. Furthermore, IGF projects contributed to advances in the technical knowledge stock and to the establishment and long-term maintenance of innovation networks.
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Information sources
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory
http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0002)
o Evaluation report 2010 in English http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Redaktion/PDF/Publikationen/Studien/erweiterte-erfolgskontrolle-igf-endbericht-kurzzusammenfassung-englisch,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi,sprache=de,rwb=true.pdf
29
CENTRAL INNOVATION PROGRAMME SME
(ZIM – ZENTRALES INNOVATIONSPROGRAMM MITTELSTAND)
Implementing body o AiF-Projekt GmbH, VDI/VDE-IT, EuroNorm GmbH
Targeted KETs
o Nanotechnology
o Industrial biotechnology o Advanced materials o Advanced manufacturing technologies o Photonics o Micro- and nanoelectronics
General description
o The Central Innovation Programme SME (ZIM) promotes research and development projects in SMEs. ZIM is an application-oriented funding programme that aims to reduce the risks of R&D-projects by
funding a share of the costs. It provides grants to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them finance research and innovation projects. Applications can be submitted in all technologies, sectors and topics. So SMEs can carry out R&D
projects in the field of their business. Therefore the results are very fast transferred into marketable products. The programme places a particular priority on supporting collaboration between businesses
and research organizations in order to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge technologies into marketable products.
o Criteria’s for funding are the innovative content and good market
opportunities of the funded projects.
DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION
o 2008 –
TARGET GROUP(S)
o SMEs o Research Organisations
OVERALL BUDGET
o Yearly budget of about 500 million Euro
IMPACT
o In the innovation reports of the German Chamber for Industry and Commerce (DIHK) the ZIM scheme is regularly named as „best practice“. The German Institute for Inventions honoured ZIM as
“Best Innovation Support” in 2011
INFORMATION SOURCES
o Links to websites in German: www.zim-bmwi.de -> on the site there are evaluation reports available. Partly the reports have summaries in English.
o ERAWATCH Research and Innovation Inventory
o Evaluation report 2010 in English
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TOP CLUSTER COMPETITION
(SPITZENCLUSTER-WETTBEWERB)
Implementing body o Federal ministry of Education and Research
Targeted KETs
o No pre-defined technology fields
General description
o This programme provides funding for clusters, i.e. a group of organisations (firms, research organisations, government
authorities, NGOs) that aim at jointly developing and introducing innovations in a certain field of technology or sector within a region. Cluster activities may involve skill development, long-term oriented
research strategies, close-to-market technology development, facilitating new business ventures and international cooperation.
o It is intended to conduct three rounds of competition. The five winners of the first and second round were selected in 2008 and
2010, respectively. Winners of the third round will be announced in 2012. In every round, a maximum of five clusters is chosen which are promoted for up to five years with up to €200 million in total,
i.e. the programmes total volume is up to €600 million. There are no thematic requirements. A joint strategy, which has to consider the whole supply chain, is obligatory. Proposals for clusters are
evaluated by a steering committee. o The rationale for this programme is the perceived need to better
interlink the various actors in an innovation system in order to
adequately response to new challenges such as climate change,
globalisation, aging, security, new health concerns or improving mobility. Since interaction is often facilitate by spatial proximity, regional clusters in certain thematic areas are likely to help
speeding up innovation and finding radically new ways to tackle emerging challenges.
DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION
o 2007 – 2016
TARGET GROUP(S)
o All companies o Higher education institutions research units/centres o Other non-profit research organisations (not HEI)
OVERALL BUDGET
o Overall: 600 million Euro (Co-financed by the private sector) o 2010: 48 million Euro o 2011: 90 million euro
IMPACT
o No results available yet o No ex-ante evaluation has been made, but mid-term and final (ex-
post) evaluation are planned
INFORMATION
SOURCES
o Information on the site of the ministry:
http://www.bmbf.de/en/10726.php
o Description of the programme on ERAWATCH:
http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/co
untry_pages/de/supportmeasure/support_mig_0040?matchesPerPa
ge=5&orden=LastUpdate&searchType=advanced&intergov=all&tab
=template&index=Erawatch+Online+EN&sort=&avan_other_prios=f
alse&searchPage=2&subtab=&avan_country=de&reverse=true&disp
layPages=10&query=+Leading-Edge+Cluster&action=search
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Other calls or interesting information
High-Tech Strategy (2020) for Germany”
o More information on “High-Tech Strategy (2020) for Germany”
http://www.bmbf.de/pub/bmbf_hts_lang_eng.pdf & http://www.bmbf.de/pub/hts_2020_en.pdf
The Initiative Networks of Competence Germany
o The Initiative Networks of Competence Germany by the Federal Ministry of Economics and
Technology (BMWi) brings together the most innovative and capable national networks of
competence with technological orientation. Nine topics: biotechnology, health and medical
science, transportation and mobility, new materials and chemistry, production and engineering,
aviation and space, energy and environment, information and communication, micro-nano-opto.
http://www.kompetenznetze.de/the-topics
BioValley
o As a unique project established in the heart of Europe, bringing together Alsace in France, South
Baden in Germany and Northwest Switzerland, with as centers Strasbourg, Freiburg and Basel,
BioValley was one of the first European initiatives for the promotion and the development of life
sciences. BioValley is a network of competences and know-how which includes companies,
research institutes, universities as well as economic development agencies and organizations
involved in finance or technology. To drive such networks, BioValley has developed instruments
encouraging exchange and collaboration for the development of each and everyone involved.
http://www.biovalley.com/content.cfm?nav=3&content=13
Research Campus
o This programme intends to strengthen the link between science and business. Since this is a
rather new programme, there is currently only information available in German, see:
o http://www.bmbf.de/de/16944.php
Last update: 12/11/2012