3rd NRW.innovativ expert workshop

Presentation and discussion of an action concept for a needs-oriented knowledge and technology transfer in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia has an efficient scientific and technological infrastructure, which is playing an increasingly important role in securing and expanding the state's economic competitiveness. This applies equally to the innovation-oriented modernization of NRW's core industries as well as the development of new fields of technology and innovation. Against this background, knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) has a key function in its breadth. The state government has recognized the importance of KTT as an essential component in the design of the innovation system and promotes KTT with a variety of measures and structures (e.g. clusters, competence centers, associations, funding programs). Particular attention is paid to the interface between science and business as well as to the promotion of innovations along the value chain, especially with a view to addressing key social challenges. In addition to the state government, a large number of other (decentralized) actors are active in the area of ​​KTT, for example universities or university-related institutions, non-university research institutions or regional/municipal actors.

In this context, the NRW.innovativ competence center developed an action plan based on a broad empirical survey of SMEs in NRW and presented this as part of the 3rd expert workshop. This includes the experiences with KTT, current challenges and needs from the perspective of a central target group and the analysis for transferring it into a framework for action. The concept thus complements and deepens North Rhine-Westphalia's regional innovation strategy, in which WTT is anchored as an important element of innovation promotion.