Best conditions for innovation

The broad research landscape with numerous scientific institutions, universities and institutes offers the best development opportunities for scientists and fuels the innovation potential of local companies. Two Max Planck Institutes, six research institutes of the German Aerospace Center, numerous renowned research and development centers in the private sector and more than a dozen regional competence and innovation centers that help to develop successful practical products from outstanding research.

Research is carried out in a variety of scientific and applied disciplines. It is not just the well-known strengths of mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and natural sciences as well as architecture and civil engineering that shape the location's universities and scientific institutions. The Stuttgart region also demonstrates exceptional competence in other specialist areas, such as film and media, economics, health sciences, social work, education, administrative management and taxes. The site's scientific institutions work, for example, in the fields of nanotechnology, solid state research, micro- and nanorobotics, surface technology, automation, materials science, bioprocess engineering, building physics and construction technology.

Bridges between science and business

A particular strength of the research landscape in the Stuttgart region is the close collaboration between science and business. Companies in the region invest more in research and development than anywhere else in Germany: around 8% of total economic output is invested in research and development. This puts the Stuttgart region around six percentage points above the national average (2,1%) and in first place in Germany. 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. Local companies have also long been among the undisputed leaders in patent applications.

Even in public research institutions, universities and colleges, work is not done in an ivory tower: student teams support companies and scientific results flow directly into the development of new products. Graduates of the universities are familiar with the latest findings and methods and have a lot of practical experience that they can apply in everyday working life.

The Technology Transfer Network supports small and medium-sized companies from the Stuttgart region in their innovation process. Through the network, companies from the areas of industry, trade, crafts and services receive tailor-made access to new technologies and research results. Institutions like the regional ones Competence and innovation centers or offers from Universities and colleges in the region build further bridges between science and business. The result is an excellent innovation climate and a top position in the number of patent applications in a Europe-wide comparison.

©Unsplash – This is Engineering soldering is carried out on a circuit board

Further information

You can find out more about the regional competence and innovation centers at
competence centers.region-stuttgart.de

The Stuttgart Region Technology Transfer Network is a joint offer from the Stuttgart Region Economic Development GmbH, the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Crafts and BioRegio STERN Management GmbH.
technologietransfer.region-stuttgart.de

You can find an overview of the research priorities of universities in the Stuttgart region at
campus.region-stuttgart.de.