Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Das Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI analysiert Entstehung und Auswirkungen von Innovationen.
© Fraunhofer ISI / shutterstock.com / Andrey Suslov, Rabbit_Photo, Anatolii Babii
The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI analyzes the origins and impacts of innovations.

Fraunhofer ISI

shaping | the future | together

© Fraunhofer ISI / shutterstock.com / Andrey Suslov, Rabbit_Photo, Anatolii Babii

Our research

Fraunhofer ISI conducts research as an independent thought leader for society, politics and industry. 

 

What we offer

We study the conditions under which innovations emerge and their effects – at the scientific, economic, ecological, social, organizational, legal and political level. We assess the potential and limitations of technical, organizational and institutional innovations and help decision-makers from industry, science and politics make strategic decisions. At the Joint Innovation Hub we make the world a better place by working with our clients to implement innovative developments.

Our expertise

Our employees combine their technical, economic and social science knowledge in nine departments with more than 30 business units and research groups. This synergy of different skills and research areas forms the basis of our long-standing expertise in systems and innovation research.

Our methods

We work with a broad spectrum of methods  from advanced scientific theories, models and social science measurement instruments, and continuously develop these using empirical findings from our research projects.

News

Press Release / 17.9.2026

Innovation and Data Protection: A European approach between competitiveness and basic rights

Less data protection, more innovation? A new policy paper by Plattform Privatheit (Platform Privacy), which is coordinated by Fraunhofer ISI, shows why this simple equation falls short. Instead, the authors argue for a European approach that combines innovative capacity and competitive strength with data protection, self-determination and digital sovereignty. The policy paper’s findings are also part of the Platform’s 11th annual conference, which will take place in Berlin on October 8 and 9, 2026.

to the press release

Press Release / 5.8.2026

Human-centered value creation: The key to industrial success

Industrial progress is increasingly shaped by digital and AI-driven technologies. Automation, data-driven systems and intelligent machines are fundamentally transforming production and innovation processes. At the same time, it is becoming clear that: Technological performance does not arise solely from new systems, but largely from the way employees are integrated into production and change processes. A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI makes it clear that human-centered value creation can be a key factor for innovation and productivity in companies.

to the press release

Announcement / 3.8.2026

KIT appoints Jakob Edler as Professor for “Governance of transformative innovation“

Jakob Edler’s new professorship focuses on governance and state policy in science and innovation in the context of socio-economic transformations. The professorship will contribute to broadening the ties between KIT and Fraunhofer ISI, intensifying personal connections and enhancing collaboration in research.

Press Release / 30.7.2026

How can quantum information be transmitted over long distances in the future?

Quantum repeaters are considered a key technology for future quantum networks. Fraunhofer ISI’s new roadmap, compiled as part of the Umbrella Project for Quantum Communication Germany (SQuaD), compares different technology approaches and outlines the possible development steps leading to the commercial use of quantum repeaters in the future.

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Press Release / 20.7.2026

BEV: prices fell 18%, model choice quadrupled from 2020 to 2025

In Europe's largest automotive market, battery electric vehicles became about 18 percent cheaper in real terms between 2020 and 2025, even as average prices appeared to rise as a result of a changing model mix. Meanwhile, the number of electric models available on the market has more than quadrupled. That is the finding of a new joint study by the ICCT and the Fraunhofer ISI, covering the German market as a key indicator of broader European trends. The study draws on more than 100,000 individual data points across six vehicle segments, from small to luxury cars.

to the press release

Press Release / 9.7.2026

Future technologies are increasing raw material demand: A Fraunhofer study shows where action is needed

How will emerging technologies such as electric mobility, renewable energy and artificial intelligence impact raw material demand? This question is addressed in the new edition of the “Raw Materials for Future Technologies”. In it the Fraunhofer Institutes ISI and IZM analyze the future development of 34 technologies and 14 raw materials on behalf of the German Raw Materials Agency (DERA). Early action is required in order to avoid supply bottlenecks and enable a sustainable transformation.

to the press release
 

© Fraunhofer ISI

Battery Update / 24.6.2026

Research activities and start-ups related to lithium-sulphur batteries in Europe

A look at start-ups, industrial activity and publicly funded research projects on Li-S batteries shows where the technology stands today. The next market opportunities are likely to emerge less in mass-market applications than in niches with particularly high requirements for battery weight.

read the Battery Update
 

© Fraunhofer ISI

Publication series

Current Policy Brief

Our Departments

With our broad, interdisciplinary perspective, we deliver a diverse range of research services for our clients. These are organized into nine departments, encompassing more than 30 business units and research groups, as well as the Joint Innovation Hub:

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Energy Policy and Energy Markets

We examine how the political and institutional framework of sustainable energy systems can be designed, further developed and evaluated.

© shutterstock.com/hrui

Energy Technology and Energy Systems

We analyze innovative energy technologies and their contribution to a sustainable energy system from a strategic perspective.

© gettyimages.de/Linghe Zhao

Foresight

We develop, implement and conduct foresight processes within business, politics and society.

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Innovation and Knowledge Economy

We analyze the prerequisites for innovations and their effects from the company level up to national innovation systems.

© gettyimages.de/WePro

Sustainability and Infrastructure Systems

We analyze the prequisites and possibilities to reduce emissions, and improve resource efficiency.

© gettyimages.de/© Marco Bottigelli

Emerging Technologies

We deal with the identification, evaluation and design of new technological developments and socio-technical transformations.

© gettyimages.de/fhm

Policy for Innovation

Research and innovation are increasingly called upon to contribute to overcoming societal challenges. We examine the resulting requirements.

© gettyimages.de/Krzysztof Baranowski

Regional Transformation and Innovation Policy

We analyze, evaluate and develop instruments to shape regional transformation processes and innovation policy interventions.

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Knowledge and Technology Transfer

We improve the transfer of knowledge and technology between science, industry and society.

© shutterstock.com/Yurchanka Siarhei

Joint Innovation Hub

We make the world a better place to live in by applying a scientific, systemic approach to anticipate innovative developments in good time, analyze them, and work with you to design and implement them in a sustainable way.