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EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE
Since 2006 Germany has developed a par-
cutting-edge clusters which receive special
ticular innovation tool in the form of its in-
funding were selected in three competition
terdepartmental High-Tech Strategy. Since
rounds. In 2014 an evaluation revealed
then, High-Tech Strategy research projects
that the cutting-edge clusters had produced
have prompted a raft of innovations – from
900 innovative products, 300 patents, 450
energy-saving LED bulbs to a tissue-engin-
dissertation and habilitation theses, 1,000
eered heart valve. The High-Tech Strategy
Bachelor’s and Master’s theses, and 40 start-
initially had the market potential of specific
ups. Germany boasts more than 800 publicly
fields of technology in its sights, whereas
financed research facilities. Alongside higher
since 2010 it has been focussing on society’s
education institutions, it is primarily four
need for solutions that are fit for the future,
non-university research organisations that
and their realisation.
form the backbone of the research sector.
Translating good ideas into
Excellent non-university
innovative products
research institutions
In 2014 the High-Tech Strategy was rede-
Founded in 1948, the Max Planck Society
fined: The goal is to help researchers address
(MPG) is the most important centre for con-
topics with future potential and swiftly
ducting basic research outside universities
translate good ideas into innovative prod-
in the natural sciences, life sciences, social
ucts. Six thematic priorities serve as orienta-
sciences, and the humanities. 5,600 re-
tion: the digital economy and 6