topic 

We stimulate innovation and growth

A constructive environment for innovations is necessary if good ideas are to lead to the commercial success of products, processes and services. The High-Tech Strategy therefore combines research funding with innovation-oriented development processes and framework conditions.

As far as the Federal Government is concerned, a comprehensive research and innovation policy means: providing stimulus and incentives for growth and innovations, eliminating barriers to innovation and creating scope to inspire innovations. We have already introduced a whole range of improvements:

• We have strengthened funding: Corporate tax reform is creating financial leeway, the High-Tech Start-up Fund is providing innovative young companies with venture capital, and the "Help for Helpers" Law is strengthening incentives to channel private capital into foundations.
• We have improved the conditions for setting up a business: The amendment to legislation governing limited liability companies makes it easier to set up a business. Start-up programmes such as EXIST encourage people to venture into self-employment.
• Innovation through public procurement measures: The Federal Government's policy for awarding contracts pays close attention to the use of new products and technologies. This stimulates innovation.
• Protecting intellectual property: Institutions of higher education and people setting up in business are provided with advice on issues relating to patents under the "SIGNO - Protection of ideas for commercial use" initiative. At the same time, the Federal Government is also introducing measures to combat product piracy.
• Standardization as a driver for innovation: The "Innovation with Norms and Standards" project is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular to cope with often very complex standardization processes.
• Successful reduction of bureaucracy: 330 regulations have been simplified, thus saving industry more than seven billion euros per year.
• Germany has become more attractive as a science nation: The Federal Government has taken important steps towards modernizing the German science system with the Excellence Initiative, the Higher Education Pact 2020 and the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation.
• Expanding the international approach: The Federal Government's Internationalization Strategy has helped to make better use of the opportunities of worldwide cooperation.

Initial important steps have been taken. The Federal Government's aim continues to be to establish attractive framework conditions and the best possible preconditions for innovations. This includes first and foremost providing adequate and reliable funding for innovations. The market for venture capital must be strengthened in this context. At the same time, further incentives are needed to fund innovations and company start-ups.

• 

  More financial leeway for innovations

  Adequate funding is a precondition for innovations. But it is precisely young, highly innovative growth companies, so-called start-ups, that do not have sufficient capital.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/703.php)
   
  
• 

  Conditions for setting up a business: Start-up assistance for new high-tech companies

  Young knowledge-based companies are closing the innovation gap between academic research and industrial applications and are often the guarantee for economic success. The Federal Government's High-Tech Strategy strongly supports the dynamism and growth of innovative young business start-ups.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/705.php)
   
  
• 

  Improved protection for intellectual property

  Knowledge is valuable in innovative companies. However, it is still taking too long to transform new ideas and research results into successful products. Although German universities are successful in applying for a large number of patents (2007: 620 applications), these are often not pursued further. As a result, the proceeds from patent applications lag far behind their actual potential.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/709.php)
   
  
• 

  Public procurement encourages new products and technologies

  The state is Germany's biggest buyer, responsible for spending approximately 12% of Gross Domestic Product.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/707.php)
   
  
• 

  Standardization speeds up innovation

  Norms and standards encourage innovations, open up markets and ensure that companies face the same competitive conditions. Internationally valid norms and standards are particularly important for Germany as an export nation.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/711.php)
   
  
• 

  Reducing bureaucracy provides scope for greater economic efficiency

  Bureaucracy costs time and money. The systematic reduction of unnecessary formalities is therefore one of the Federal Government's key reform projects.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/713.php)
   
  
• 

  Germany is gaining more profile as a location for science

  The Federal Government has introduced important steps towards modernizing the German science system with the Excellence Initiative, the Higher Education Pact 2020 and the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation. The science scene has gained considerable profile and Germany has become more attractive as a science nation.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/273.php)
   
  
• 

  International cooperation increases competency in research and innovation

  Global markets unleash opportunities for innovative German companies: Global challenges call for international cooperation in developing scientific solutions. Internationalization is a key success factor in worldwide competition and is therefore an important component of German innovation policy.
  more (URL: http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/717.php)