The topics in which innovation happens are as diverse as the country.

Under the guiding principle of intelligent specialization and consistent future orientation, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is specifying in its Regional Innovation Strategy for North Rhine-Westphalia 2021-2027 central areas of innovation and action with particular relevance for the state's economic and social development.

This creates a common framework for innovation activities that is intended to encourage and support the various actors in finding innovative solutions to social, economic and global challenges: