Toward Sustainable Support for Technology Transfer from Research to Innovation

Germany has excellent research capabilities. However, translating research findings into innovation through development and market orientation is often difficult because there is no comprehensive funding system. Instead, for each stage, new funding programs must be identified, applications submitted, and additional hurdles overcome. This structural problem is revealed by the evaluation of 88 funding programs aimed at strengthening technology transfer and innovation conducted by the Higher Education Alliance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (HAfM). Following the presentation of initial findings at the 10th Berlin Transfer Conference, the 16 members are now publishing a comprehensive position paper with demands and recommendations for action aimed at sustainable support for technology transfer from research to innovation.

“Our analysis of existing funding structures shows that without strategic direction and a market perspective, innovation potential goes to waste. The urgent need for reform lies in clear program guidelines and a market orientation,” explained Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kira Kastell, HAfM Chair and President of Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. The time for reform is now—before further innovation potential is lost in the funding jungle.

Overall, the University Alliance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises has formulated four key demands in its position paper:

Seamless funding chains instead of isolated projects
Appropriate framework conditions for universities of applied sciences and small and medium-sized enterprises
A focus on commercialization as a cross-cutting task
Flexibility and speed

The full HAFM press release and position paper are available for download at https://hochschulallianz.de/presse/fuer-eine-nachhaltige-transferfoerderung-von-der-forschung-bis-zur-innovation/