Innovation and transfer are prerequisites for prosperity in Germany and help us cope with the challenges facing society. Research transfer into practice is an important basis for German companies’ global competitiveness. Supporting and accelerating the transfer of scientific findings into practice is therefore a key focus of the Future Research and Innovation Strategy [Link]. Public support for R&D and transfer is of major importance for the innovative capacity of German SMEs, on which a special focus is placed.

Key measures to strengthen research transfer into practice

We have initiated four beacons to strengthen research transfer:

SPRIND

The objective of our Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND) is to encourage disruptive innovations originating in Germany, which means products, services and systems that noticeably and lastingly improve our lives. Innovators can take risks and and pursue radically different approaches.

Bridges for transfer

We want to build bridges for transfer between research and application by providing early support for potential business starters, raising students’ and researchers’ awareness of business start-up and transfer and professionalizing people relevant for transfer.

DATI

The aim of the German Agency for Transfer and Innovation (DATI) is to quickly and effectively translate the results of application-oriented research at universities and science institutions into applications. We want to exploit the innovation potential on a large scale, particularly in regional and cross-regional innovation ecosystems, and to thereby contribute to the solution of economic, social and ecological problems.

Innovation regions

By supporting innovation regions, we strengthen regional networks and clusters in selected fields of technology in order to create internationally visible deep-tech flagships in Germany. The aim is for the funded regions to position themselves among the leaders in the international innovation competition in the long term and boost new technological developments.

Further funding measures to support transfer

VIP+

We focus our efforts to strengthen the innovation process on areas which need special support. Universities and research institutions in particular often generate new ideas. Our VIP+ validation support enables researchers to check the practicability of these ideas. In this way, researchers gain greater awareness of practical applications and can develop their ideas into products. This reduces the risk for companies and start-ups when investing in these products.

KMU-innovativ

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pioneers of technological progress in many areas. The BMBF’s KMU-innovativ funding measure supports them in implementing high-risk research projects. The simplified application procedure is tailored to the needs of SMEs. A central guidance service assists applicants in all matters, and fixed deadlines provide for greater planning certainty.

Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024