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

Project

Study on knowledge and technology transfer in the Free State of Saxony

Saxony's economy and society as a whole are facing the challenge of dynamic transformation processes. It is not only important to adapt to the changing framework conditions in order to secure economic success, resilience and prosperity for the future, but also to survive in the global competition for future-proof, digital and sustainable solutions and ideas. To meet these challenges, companies need to constantly update and renew their innovation-relevant knowledge. Practical experience shows that, by international standards, too few research results find their way into commercial exploitation.

Against the background of the unused potential in the transfer between science and industry, an expert report is being prepared on behalf of the State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport (SMWA), which will systematically identify the actors in Saxony's transfer activities, classify them into institutional categories according to established models, evaluate the respective categories in terms of their performance and thus determine the unused exploitation potential in order to derive specific needs for action.

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The aim of the study is to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) system in Saxony. As a result of the analysis, conclusions will be drawn on how to make the transfer even more effective and efficient. This includes the identification of fields of action and potentials as well as the development of concrete recommendations for action to strengthen and sustainably develop knowledge and technology transfer in the Free State of Saxony. The small-scale nature of the Saxon economy and the specific needs of SMEs will be taken into account, so that SMEs in the Free State of Saxony in particular will benefit from the results. The results of this study will form the basis of the transfer strategy of the Free State of Saxony, which will be developed as a follow-up to the project.

  • Literature and desk research: Derivation of typical KTT systems and a specific KTT model for Saxony
  • Online survey: Survey of companies (1,500, response rate >30%), research institutions and intermediaries (full surveys, response rate >50%)
  • 28 qualitative expert interviews: semi-structured and guideline-based
  • Analysis of funding data to assess the relevance of funding instruments "A to F of the State Technology Funding Directive" in the KTT system of Saxony
  • Indicators: analyses of patent, publication and start-up activities in Saxony
  • Benchmarking: Four international case studies on transfer activities of regions to derive best practices

The results of the analyses highlight that Saxony has a well-established culture of knowledge and technology transfer, which has strengthened in recent years. This is evident in the diversity of transfer channels used and the active, supportive actors involved, as well as in the fundamental openness to transfer activities within science, industry, and funding administration. Saxony’s KTT system is significantly influenced by the substantial scientific output of universities and non-university research institutions specialising in disciplines particularly relevant to transfer, such as the natural sciences and engineering. This is complemented by a diverse range of intermediaries, consisting of science- and business-related organisations, which provide advisory support to those involved in knowledge and technology transfer, particularly with regard to information provision, networking and establishing contacts, as well as financing and funding issues.

However, the analyses also show that the diverse structures, processes and actors of the regional KTT system lead to a certain degree of fragmentation. This results in insufficient information and knowledge flows, and thus untapped transfer potential. This is largely due to the fragmented economic structure, which is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often pursue non-innovative activities and therefore see no need to cooperate with scientific institutions. This limits the overall absorption capacity of scientific and technological knowledge, especially given the significant obstacles posed by insufficient human and financial resources.

Recommendations:

  • Create stable and adequate financial and human resources in public transfer offices and institutions.
  • Continue to ensure low-threshold funding.
  • Strengthen R&D collaborative projects as the most important transfer channel in the long term.
  • Sharpen the mandates of transfer support institutions and counteract fragmentation in structures.
  • Maintain broad-based transfer and systematically develop transfer-relevant future fields.
  • Establish KTT as an integrated part of research and teaching, and educate and train scientists in transfer.
  • Sensitise transfer support institutions to the specific needs of companies.
  • Facilitate supra-regional transfer activities.
  • Remove regulations that inhibit transfer.
  • Establish monitoring of transfer activities and funding.

Final report: https://www.smwa.sachsen.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Studie_WTT.pdf

Duration

6.2024-4.2025

Clients

Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection

Partners

  • ZEW
  • HZDR Innovation GmbH