By working together in the Industry-Science Research Alliance, actors from industry, research and the political sector will jointly organize the implementation of the High Technology Strategy. 8 We take on the challenges of the 21st century HIGH-PROGRESS STRATEGY FOR GERMANY.
Seeing global competition as an opportunity
Making Germany an incubator for talent
The oppor tunities offered by
G ermany the t alen t
Knowledge and responsibility belong together
In the long term, scientific and technical excellence and economic prosperity only thrive in an environment of intellectual and cultural strength and diversity. However, knowledge gains, advances in our understanding and the early assessment of new knowledge for the benefit of humanity are of equal importance and belong together.
Knowledge and responsibilit y
We are pooling the forces of industry and research
New incentives for collaboration between industry and research
We are generating new impetus – Our cross-cutting activities
Collaboration bet ween industr y
The Federal Ministry of Transport, Construction and Urban Affairs – which is responsible for the development of Germany's eastern states – will hold an innovative Industry Meets Research competition with a similar focus and targeting the new states. Superior competition of clusters Measures to encourage the development of clusters in individual technological areas Provincial measures to encourage.
Application-oriented science and research-friendly industry
F ocus on commercial application and
Pushing the exchange of experts forward
We are improving the conditions for high-tech start-ups and innovative SMEs
Fostering the founding and growth of new technology firms
St ar t-up suppor t
Activate entrepreneurial thinking and action, support spin-offs: The start-up climate at Germany's universities and non-university research institutes will be further improved. In addition, the High-Tech Gründerfonds seed fund will be mixed with pre-start-up measures at universities and research institutes and the German government's start-up-related funding programs.
Increasing small and medium-sized enterprises' share of innovation
SME funding
The government plans to develop a module for financing small and medium-sized enterprises in all suitable specialized programs under the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. In addition, innovation funding activities under the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology will be re-examined during the remaining period of the current legislative period to find ways and means to further concentrate and streamline the funding structures.
Improving the conditions for private R&D investment
Increasing the number of SMEs participating in research funding programmes: Direct project funding activities involve SMEs in cutting-edge research mainly by involving them in joint projects. Reorganize financing structures: Using the measures described here, the German government will create a clearly structured set of financing options for all innovation-oriented SMEs.
Conditions for private R&D
We are supporting the more rapid dissemination of new technologies
As a result, improving the protection and use of intellectual property is a priority for the German government. As part of the German government's patent exploitation campaign, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology will continue to finance the exploitation of inventions created at universities after 2006.
Protection and exploit ation of
In addition, steps must be taken to increase the acceptance of intellectual property rights internationally. Expand the European patent legal system: We will work for a rapid implementation of the forthcoming improvements in European patent law.
St andardisation
20 We are generating new impetus – Our cross-sectoral activities HIGH-TECH STRATEGY FOR GERMANY. Increased standardization in innovation processes: The success of German high-tech products on world markets must be supported by a strong standardization strategy.
Public
And only in this way can quality-tested premium content be effectively utilized for today's knowledge society. The German government therefore supports the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) – the self-regulatory organization of German industry – in its systematic examination of new high-tech areas to determine where.
Only in this way will it be possible to win the user's trust and still protect the copyright owner's legitimate interests. One reason behind the leading role German laser technology firms play today is the fact that standardization was incorporated into research in the late 1990s, a move that helped put German technology on the road to success.
We are strengthening Germany's international position
Improving research and innovation capabilities through international co-operation
In ternational co -operation
The first step towards cooperation with foreign partners often begins with contacts made at major trade fairs. The German government supports cooperation with countries that significantly expand their research and development competence and therefore develop into interesting partners for Germany in its role as a high-tech location.
Helping shape European research and innovation policies
In addition, the Eureka initiative supports small and medium-sized enterprises involved in international R&D cooperation. In light of this, the International Technology Co-operation Network increasingly organizes its events in parallel with technology fairs in partner countries.
European research and
In addition, a new program will be launched next year to finance the participation of high-tech SMEs in major international fairs. Mobilizing research investments and highly qualified professionals for Germany: With the aim of exploiting the existing potential for research cooperation and making its educational opportunities known to a wider audience, Germany will present itself increasingly as a land of ideas in countries with strategically important science and technology resources and in the most advanced emerging markets.
C o n tinued
We are investing in minds
The provisions of the Immigration Law that came into force in early 2005 will be supplemented. The system of vocational education and training in Germany will be developed and improved progressively on a forward-looking basis.
Introduction
Full steam ahead –
This will be done to coordinate activities undertaken in the relevant area. The German government will continue to develop its sectoral innovation strategies in the course of a dialogue with science and industry.
Health research and medical technology – Sparking a growth market
Better quality at less cost
Field of innovation
Research for applications to be used in the medical field
Research in the basic research field
SWOT analysis
Areas of action
The German government funds work being carried out in this area by the National Genome Research Network. New methods for the use of nanoparticles for the transport of active substances will make it possible to treat diseases at their foci, reduce side effects and the possibility of using new drugs that could not be used until now due to chemical properties theirs.
Research in the area of translation
Research endogenous regeneration processes and harness them for therapeutic use
Continue to develop medical technology
Increase prevention
These activities will include the entire regenerative medicine value-added chain, as well as German health insurers and regulatory authorities.
Increase the use of information and communications technologies in the health care sector
Tap into neurosciences' potential for innovation
Organise conditions to be innovation-friendly
This will be taken into account in the review of the health care sector by the German government. Funding initiatives to harness the innovative potential of neuroscience for applications in healthcare, information technologies and education.
Security technologies –
No chance for crime or terrorism Using research to protect freedom
Field of innovation
Technology transfer: Use advanced technology from other civilian sectors and defense technology for civil security applications. Lack of coordination: There are no platforms that bring together stakeholders from research, industry and government bodies across the country and develop priorities for civil security research needs.
Ensure adequate participation in the European Security Research Programme
Launch a national security research programme
In addition, innovation and technology analysis carried out alongside security research will enable us to assess at an early stage the impact new technology and innovation will have on society and fundamental rights.
Create joint innovation platforms
Plants –
New paths for agriculture and industry Tomorrow's source for raw materials
Strengthen genome research and systems biology as the basis for plant bree- ding and plant design
High level of competence in chemical and process engineering research: Universities, Fraunhofer Institutes, Leibniz Institutes. For this reason, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, together with industry, will finance basic and applied research in the fields of plant genome research, plant biotechnology, bioenergy and plant design.
Support plant breeding for hardy, high-yield plants
The GABI FUTURE program will specifically develop the enormous innovation potential along the interfaces between plant genome research, microbial genome research, animal genome research and molecular nutrition research for these application areas. The GenoMik-Plus program funds research that takes the analysis of the interaction between plants and bacteria as a starting point for work on stimulating plant growth, crop protection and efficient nutrient uptake.
Tomorrow's source for raw materials
Deepen international co-operation
Shape the regulatory framework to accommodate innovation
Intensify the societal dialogue
Energy technologies –
The challenge for the 21st century Reliable, efficient, sustainable
Developing modern power plant technologies for natural gas and coal
Make fuel cells and hydrogen technologies competitive
Continue to develop energy-optimised building construction
Boost the efficient use of energy
Expand renewable energies
A pilot project for solar thermal electricity generation with high temperature heat storage and seawater desalination in the Middle East or North Africa will be tested. Integration into the electricity grid: The development and expansion of renewable energies will require new structures for the supply and storage of electricity and heat.
Strengthen research into nuclear safety and the final disposal of radioactive waste
Push fusion research ahead
Make use of the opportunities offered by the export of technology
Environmental technologies – Clear water, clean air, fertile soil
Integrated environmental protection and resource conservation
Progressively develop environmental technology for the domestic market
Pilot projects create trust in the reliability of new technologies
Use Germany's strong domestic market as a springboard for tapping the global market
Protect the global water supply
The Research for Sustainability program will encourage the development of new environmental technologies. The internet portal www.cleaner-production.de and the recently launched waste guarantee will promote the export of environmental protection technologies.
Information and communications technologies – Injecting momentum into the No. 1 innovation driver
Developing Germany's strengths in core sectors and tap new fields of applicati- on
Market size: Germany is the third largest ICT market in the world and by far the largest in Europe. In the future, new ICT applications are foreseen in the fields of mobility, medicine and production.
Information society – Push forward diffusion and use E-government – Shape the future
Protect the information infrastructure – Implement the national ICT security plan
Reliable operation is a necessity in critical infrastructure – such as energy and transport – where ICT directs and controls important operational processes.
Research funding – Building strengths, using opportunities, meeting challenges
In other words, we will use the Internet to directly access not only information, but also many devices (and be able to use them using services) in the future. Many challenges and opportunities are especially to be found within microsystems technology.
Parameters – Organised to be innovation and investment-friendly
Plans foresee the progressive development as well as a focus and prioritization of funding topics in the course of the iD2010 program and especially through the ICT 2020 research funding program. The German government bundles its activities in the Information Society Germany 2010 (D2010) action programme.
Automotive and transport technologies – Mobility for the future
Germany as Europe's logistics hub
Launch new research programme for automotive and transport technologies
Hearings with selected experts from industry, science and organizations will be held to help shape the new research programme. In addition, ad-hoc advisory and expert committees will be consulted on important lines of action.
Develop intelligent transport systems and services
The implementation of the program will be supported by conceptual studies of new transport technologies and infrastructures and studies of future mobility.
Continue developing and refining alternative propulsion systems
Expand collaborative international co-operation
A comprehensive Master Plan for Freight Transport and Logistics will be developed to, among other things, provide a concrete application level for new automotive and transport technologies. Federal funds will be provided to help the construction of the Transrapid route from Munich Airport to Munich.
Aviation technologies – Making flying safer and cleaner Less pollution despite growing air traffic volume
Co-ordinate European research
Areas of action
Support innovation processes in the aviation industry
Strengthen Germany's core competences in the international arena
Foster the creation of networks
Space technology – Going into space for Earth
Satellites for earth observation and navigation
European and national space funding –
Tightly meshed to the benefit of German space activities
Therefore, the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology will systematically continue its leading cooperation in the broad field of earth observation and satellite communications - also with a view to the ever-increasing role that space plays in security policy. Germany's involvement in ESA, the National Space Program and the work carried out by the German Space Center (DLR) prioritizes the following tasks:
Gain new scientific insights
In contrast to the European Space Agency (ESA), which focuses on technological developments and the provision of infrastructures, the European Union focuses on space applications in the field of Earth observation and navigation. The Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology supports a clear separation between the functions of ESA and the EU and is intensively involved in the current work on a European space policy that will provide a joint strategic and programmatic basis for ESA and EU activities.
Develop satellite navigation and earth observation for commercial use
As a result, it will increase its commitment to funding space activities – in addition to its ongoing work to set up the Galileo global satellite navigation system. To achieve this, German industry and science must be prepared for the competition that awaits them in the EU and to solve tasks related to ESA.
Ensure Europe's access to space
The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMap) will measure and record various parameters of the Earth's ecosystem using a hyperspectral, high-resolution sensor. The German government is planning a law on satellite data security with the aim of establishing a reliable legal framework for the operation of remote sensing satellites and the commercialization of earth observation data.
Maritime technologies – Innovation for the oceans
Being present in the global market with innovative systems solutions
Achieve technology leadership by integrating all high-tech enabling technologies
Make the transition from a subsidised sector to technology leader
In this way, new types of high-tech ships and components should be developed with a view to increasing Germany's technological leadership in the field of high-tech shipbuilding. The Innovative Shipbuilding Ensures Competitive Jobs program under the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology promotes industrial applications based on R&D results, new types of ships with an innovative master design and new ship components and systems.
Extract resources from the sea using maritime technologies
The Transport and Maritime Technologies for the 21st Century funding program under the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology funds collaborative projects led primarily by industry, in which companies work with universities or research institutes for a common development objective. This adds to the funding that the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety provides for innovative vessels for inland waterways.
Develop a national and European strategy
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Technology is responsible for the development of two ERA-NETs in the maritime field. Funding through the Maritime and Maritime Technologies for the 21st Century program is available for all marine technologies in MARTEC ERA-NET.
Improve the innovation environment
Through this initiative, European shipbuilding companies are working together with representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament to develop a network that can make the most of the shared potential offered by EU Member States by integrating and concentrating investment in research, development and innovation.
Services –
On the road to tomorrow's knowledge society Innovation driver for high-tech business models
All of these R&D measures aim to help Germany's service sector achieve the same excellence that has traditionally been a hallmark of the manufacturing sector. Art and culture: The tradition, energy and diversity of the European art and culture scene.
Innovation management methods and tools
Recognise innovation in growth fields at an early stage
General conditions, research and innovation policy dialogue
Nanotechnologies –
A small scale with enormous economic potential Innovations from the quantum world
Technical shortcomings: The lack of sufficient expertise in the mass production of nanotechnology products leads to high costs, which hinder their introduction to the market. Missing 'nano-label': The lack of agreed labeling opens the door to possible abuse and misunderstandings.
Put the potential offered by nanotechnology to use for Germany's industrial strongholds
Introduce more sectors and companies to nanotechnology
Play a part in laying down norms and standards
Investigate and analyze the effects of nanotechnology at an early stage
Conduct a societal discussion on the opportunities and risks
Biotechnology –
Life sciences on the threshold to broad application
Innovations based on the defining sciences of the 21st century
Broad and diverse business landscape: Germany has start-ups, SMEs and multinationals. Maturation of biotech companies: Thanks to increasing consolidation, products (drugs), new processes and services are expected to enter the market.
Lay the scientific foundation for product and process innovation
Use the opportunities offered by white biotechnology and nanobiotechnology
Foster the commercialisation of scientific ideas
Strengthen the dialogue with industry and society
Microsystems technology –
Paving the way for intelligent products
Linking individual technologies to create systems solutions
Ensure Germany's innovation leadership in key industries
In the automotive field, microsystems are being used in driver assistance systems to increase comfort and safety. Micro fuel cells are being developed as a power source for portable devices such as notebook computers.
Ensure Germany's technology leadership in new fields
In the field of medical technology, portable sensor systems are being developed that can be worn directly on the body without restricting the individual's freedom of movement. For example, a built-in gas sensor can warn its owner about harmful gases in the surrounding area.
Step up the diffusion of technology
Push European integration forward
Optical technologies –
Light is generating growth and jobs The century of the photon
Global market leader: Leadership in materials processing lasers, optical microscopy and innovative lighting technology. Expanding application fields: Only 10 – 20 percent of all possible applications for laser material processing have been developed.
Pursue ongoing strategy development
Respond quickly to technological opportunities
Overcome obstacles to technology diffusion
Strengthen regional clusters
Reach critical size through European integration
Materials technologies – New designs for matter
New properties, greater material efficiency
Objective
New platforms for materials development
Speed up the development of new materials
Increase material efficiency
Establish norms and standards for materials
Production technologies – Outfitting the global economy
Mechanical engineering and plant manufacturing "Made in Germany"
Global leadership: export rate +70 percent, share of world trade 18.3 percent (with Germany ahead of Japan with 12.7 percent and the US with 12.6 percent), 28 percent of the world's mechanical engineering patents. Decline in appreciation: the importance of production as a basis for added value and German prosperity is no longer undisputed.
Nanotechnology goes into production
Put a stop to product piracy
Unleash the innovative powers in SMEs and family-operated firms
Make mechanical engineering jobs more attractive
Small and medium-sized enterprises mainly work together with universities of applied sciences, which in turn train two-thirds of all engineers in Germany. In light of this, the German government intends to improve – in both quantitative and qualitative terms – the interconnection of research and teaching at universities of applied sciences by means of its new funding program for Research at Universities of Applied Sciences and Enterprises and the funding that it plans to cater for young research groups working in the engineering sciences from autumn 2007.
Position Germany in Europe
Our implementation of the High-Tech Strategy
BMZ Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung / Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung. GO-Bio Biotech-Gründerkampagne des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung.
