Excellence in research, development and training
With numerous universities, colleges and research institutes, the Stuttgart region has an excellent research landscape that cooperates closely with local industry. The region's companies are also working on technologies of the future: nowhere else in Baden-Württemberg is so much invested in research and development as here.
The Stuttgart region is so economically strong today because, according to all indicators, it is one of the most innovative economic regions in the world. Many successful and well-known companies in the region, such as Daimler, Bosch, Stihl or Kärcher, owe their development to a basic innovation that has been strategically developed over decades. The basis for these successful developments is certainly the close cooperation with the local scientific institutions: The Stuttgart region has an excellent university and research landscape with numerous universities and research institutes that offer application-oriented subjects and develop groundbreaking technologies.
Leader in innovation
The 2020 Innovation Index shows: The Stuttgart region and the state of Baden-Württemberg continue to be the areas with the highest innovative capacity within the European Union. Companies in the region invest more in research and development than anywhere else in Germany. Around 8% of total economic output flows into this area. One of the strengths of the Stuttgart innovation region is the large number of highly qualified employees. In 2019, almost 5% of employees worked in research and development. That is three and a half times as much as the national average and is leading in Germany. Measured against total employment, the proportion of employees in future industries* was 2021% in 42,8. It is therefore hardly surprising that the capital region of Baden-Württemberg has been leading the German patent statistics for many decades. Local companies have long been among the undisputed leaders in patent applications.
Collaboration as a key factor
One of the region's strengths is its openness to new ideas - and the willingness to continually explore new avenues for innovation. Not only large companies, for example, are increasingly using know-how from outside: instead of just looking for ideas within their own four walls, they are systematically opening up the outside world to develop new products and services. You develop new products together with industry partners, customers and suppliers, universities, research institutions and other external partners.
The classic model from research and development to production and market launch is increasingly being replaced by an open process that takes the market, customers and partners into account at an early stage. Small and medium-sized companies in particular benefit from good cooperation within the functioning industry networks in the Stuttgart region.
University and Science Region Stuttgart eV
Founded jointly by the universities, the Economic Development Region Stuttgart GmbH and the Stuttgart Region Association, the University and Science Region Stuttgart eV strengthens the perception of the region as a science location and improves the networking of scientific institutions.
Best conditions for inventors and thinkers
Research and education institutions are a key source of inspiration for the region's strong innovation performance. Daycare centers, schools and universities create the best conditions for the inventors and thinkers of tomorrow. Nobel Prize winners, Leibniz Prize winners and actors decorated with many other awards represent the excellent research and teaching in the region.
Research
The broad research landscape with numerous scientific institutions offers the best development opportunities for researchers and fuels the innovation potential of local companies.
more on thisEducation
From kindergarten to university:
The Stuttgart region has outstanding educational offerings at all levels.
Who invented it?
Not just the automobile: the Leitz folder, the solarium, the effervescent powder, the electric hand drill, the modern bra and the yellow and red cards are also inventions from the Stuttgart region, which has been one of the most innovative regions in Europe for decades.