Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Evaluation study of the Cluster NanoMicroMaterialsPhotonics.NRW (NMWP)

The economic and innovation policy objectives in NRW are embedded in the state's current Innovation Strategy 2014-2020, which combines the research strategy "FortschrittNRW", the lead market strategy and the transfer strategy. This is characterized by a strong orientation towards eight defined lead markets of the future, which is intended to trigger impulses for sustainable competition and growth to strengthen the location and solve major social challenges in NRW. The regional cluster NanoMicroMaterialsPhotonics.NRW was established in 2009 and covers numerous key technologies, mainly from the fields of nanotechnology, new materials, microsystems technology, photonics, and, since 2019, quantum technologies as well. The Cluster is primarily aimed at promoting networking and cooperation among all actors of these key technologies across different sectors.

Expand all Close all

The task of this study was to evaluate what has been achieved in the current period of support since 2015, and to formulate feasible recommendations for the further development and continuation of the cluster.

 

With regard to the objective of the study, the evaluation was made based on an assessment table presented by the MWIDE containing different performance indicators. These indicators are a compilation of individual target states that were developed along six superordinate criteria and then specifically weighted. The methods used were evaluating records and documents from/about the Cluster NMWP and conducting interviews with cluster managers and other actors in the environment surrounding the cluster.

 

Based on the analyses of the structure and performance of the Cluster NMWP and in comparison with the objectives of the North Rhine-Westphalian lead market and cluster strategy and the objectives of the NMWP cluster itself, this report arrives at a very good overall assessment. This means that the cluster has been able to successfully continue its work (which has been assessed several times) since 2015 and to further improve its cumulative target achievement. The Cluster NMWP thus contributes directly to the technology, innovation and economic policy agenda of North Rhine-Westphalia. These were concretised and operationalised at the level of cluster-specific objectives such as supporting the business development of the target industries defined by the cluster, optimising business communication, networking the actors along the value chain, organised knowledge transfer and initiating and supporting concrete R&D projects, and thus formed the basis for the present evaluation of the Cluster NMWP.

Duration

5.2020-7.2020

Clients

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIDE NRW)