International Technology Cooperation and Clusters
The department International Technology Cooperations and Clusters (ITC) is focused on various topics in the context of modern innovation policy.
On the one hand, its focus is on international projects which
- through impact analyses, make transparent regional strengths and weaknesses
- improve the efficiency of economic and innovation systems,
- open up and develop international sales markets for German industry, and
- provide access to know-how and technologies.
This is designed to improve, in the long term, the competitiveness of German innovation players and companies in the international context.
On the other hand, the topic of clusters and regional networks is an important field of activity of the sector. Clusters are increasingly being considered (internationally as well) as drivers of innovations. In different projects, questions related to increasing the competitiveness of cluster players and measures to support the management of such networks are in the centre of attention.
In its projects, the sector ITC works for customers like German Federal Ministries and State Ministries, the EU, the International Office of the BMBF, the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), and also for public and private institutions outside of Europe.
Examples of publications:
- Annual Report Kompetenznetze Deutschland 2010/2011
- Continuity, stability and efficiency – how networks and clusters can be sustainably successful
- Current status and prospects of R&D cooperations of innovative companies with the Republic of Korea
- Clusters as instruments for the initiation of R&D activities between Germany and Korea
- Helmut Kergel, Lysann Müller, Michael Nerger: Summary Report on the Determinants of the Local Innovation System of Manaus, Brazil
- Uwe Seidel, Lysann Müller: Syria - Summarising Report of the Determinants of the Syrian Innovation System
Project Examples
Industrial Network Renewable Energies Saxony
Internationally, Saxony is one of the leading energy technology locations. With the help of the VDI/VDE-IT lead agency of the EESA Initiative, the free state of Saxony aims at supporting this positive trend. The initiative wants to improve and extend the innovation power, the productivity and the export power of Saxony’s industry. This is accomplished through the strategic network made up of companies and research and educational institutions.
The Kompetenznetze Deutschland Initiative
The Kompetenznetze Deutschland Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology brings together the best-performing innovation clusters in Germany. The agency is located with the VDI/VDE-IT. It advises networks and guarantees the quality and representativeness of its members. The agency is also responsible for intensive cooperation with the competence networks and offers diverse services, which are in line with demand.
