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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.