Innovation Strategy
A location in a state
of continuous change
The innovation strategy substantiates central fields of innovation and action with particular relevance for the economic and social development of the state.
In this way, it creates a common framework for innovation activities that is intended to encourage and support the various stakeholders in finding innovative solutions to social, economic and global challenges.
North Rhine-Westphalia and its regions are among the strong innovators in the European Union. It is home to a vibrant innovation ecosystem that includes 20 of the 50 German companies with the highest turnover, more than 700,000 SMEs, 68 public universities and universities of applied sciences, state art and music colleges, as well as private, church and administrative colleges, more than 50 non-university research institutions and numerous clusters and transfer centres.
No two ways about it , though: there is a lot to be done to stabilise North Rhine-Westphalia's position as a powerful site for innovation in the long term. This is particularly important in view of the upcoming transition tasks, which are manifested across the board in the topics of the ‘twin transition’: digitalisation and the sustainable transformation of the economy.
- Innovative materials & smart production
- ‘Connected mobility’ & logistics
- Environmental economy & circular economy
- Energy and innovative construction
- Innovative medicine, health & life science
- Culture, media & creative industries & innovative services
- Key technologies of the future, ICT
By publishing the ‘Regional Innovation Strategy for North Rhine-Westphalia 2021-2027’, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is fleshing out a cabinet decision made in the summer of 2021 and, in coordination with the other state government portfolios, is creating a common framework for the various activities of research and innovation funding in North Rhine-Westphalia. The new innovation strategy, which replaces the previous innovation strategy 2014-2020, takes up current topics and trends, takes into account changes in the political and social environment, and presents detailed considerations for implementing the innovation strategy.
Download Regional Innovation Strategy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
