Panter sees untapped innovation potential in Saxony

According to a study, there is still great potential for successful innovations in Saxony. The Free State has the best prerequisites for achieving "market success" with research results, said Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD). In international comparison, this is "still too rare and not fast enough". The analysis, in which 1,150 companies took part, identified strengths, obstacles and potential in knowledge and technology transfer. "This is where we will start."

In particular, the 4,200 previously non-transfer-active companies - i.e. those in which no research results are used in practice - could be motivated to engage in regular innovation activities with targeted support. Every second company is located in a district without a university.

Dialogue between business, science and transfer planned

The analysis identifies a lack of personnel at companies and institutes as an obstacle. It also sees starting points in the transfer of the necessary skills as well as the financial and personnel resources in public transfer offices and institutions. According to Panter, "good ideas do not always lead to sales and jobs. (...) We need to get better and faster at this."

The ministry is therefore planning a dialog with stakeholders from business, science and transfer in order to jointly establish more effective processes and more sustainable and efficient transfer structures. The aim is to develop and implement a transfer strategy for the Free State of Bavaria.