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New ideas - Germany

Updated 10/2011

Legal requirements

German innovation and technology policy aims to:

  • increase the number of new technology-focused and knowledge-based companies/innovative businesses;
  • bolster key industrial technologies (research in energy, transport, aviation, shipbuilding and space travel) and cross-sector spheres (IT, multimedia, etc.);
  • strengthen links between industry and research (with regional hubs and thematic clusters);
  • apply scientific knowledge in an economically efficient manner;
  • improve the climate for investment and demand for new products and services (taxation, less red tape, innovative procurement, standards and norms, etc.)
  • Technology and innovation policyDeutsch

The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology [Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie] supports innovation and technology projects, especially cooperation between businesses and research bodies, to bolster the transfer of technology from research to industry and increase the innovation competence of SMEs.

  • Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology: development areasDeutsch

Alongside innovation, access to R&D is essential for businesses to develop and stay competitive.

Intellectual property must be protected to encourage innovation.

Programmes

Examples of the various support programmes available:

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

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Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

Technology exchanges offered by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce promote technology transfer: offers and requests for specific types of technology may be posted on the forum free of charge.

  • Chambers of Industry and Commerce – technology exchangesDeutsch

Questions regarding specific programmes should be addressed to the relevant providers. The local Chambers of Industry and Commerce have staff on hand to provide assistance.

  • Chambers of Industry and Commerce: advice on innovations and technologyDeutsch

The Federal Government’s ‘Research and Innovation’ funding advisory service is the first port of call for all questions regarding help for research and innovation. It provides information to potential applicants on the Federal Government’s research structure, support programmes and partners, as well as current support initiatives.

  • Federal ‘Research and Innovation’ Funding Advisory ServiceDeutsch