"Research needs entrepreneurial freedom"

Application oriented pure research work is a trademark of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. Where do you set the boundaries of pure research work?

There is quite definitely a flowing transition. But in principle the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft carries out research we expect to be of use to industry after a certain amount of time. And there are no set time limits. One project can run for three years and another for eight years. The application side therefore concentrates on the realisability for industry, creating a bridge between the findings of research and what industry needs. Finally this is a cycle: research - and this includes pure research - turns knowledge into money. The Fraunhofer Institutes convert this knowledge into innovations which in turn generate again money.

Based on this practical approach, it would appear to be an obvious choice for the Fraunhofer Institute to work mainly in the engineering field?

From a historical viewpoint there is some truth in this. It is a well-known fact that our strength lies in our ability to network, this means several institutes work on one specific area, with information and communication technology definitely being the largest. However during the past few years, the life sciences field has become more important particularly in terms of human resources and it will also continue to grow.

What do you plan to do in your five-year period of office?

We have grown strongly during the past few years. We will most definitely continue to grow in all fields and perhaps have another 200 employees in one year's time. I feel that consolidating this growth and at the same time securing the quality of our work is an important goal.

The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is also considered to be a leading R&D institution within the EU. What plans do you have in an international context?

It is quite right that we have gained a top position in the EU. There are certainly also excellent research institutes in other countries like the United Kingdom and France. What has brought us do far ahead is the fact we network . In other words, within a limited period of time for specific topics we unite the best brains and institutes on an interdisciplinary basis.

What is the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft's position in the international arena? Do you find it difficult for example to get researchers from the USA to come to Germany?

The problem is somewhat different. We always work internationally when there are common research topics for example with global corporations such as Daimler-Chrysler. Of course the general conditions in the USA are considerably better, as there are less restrictions and the universities' own research institutes can also resort to the former students as human resources and even as investors. I have already witnessed how a three-digit research grant in the millions was attained with a mere five-page application. As I said before, at the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft we convert knowledge into innovations. In the USA they are far more willing to take risks to do this.

What would have to change in Germany? As President of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft what do you expect from the politicians?

I wish they would be more willing to take risks when allocating research grants. On the one hand, there should be less red tape when it comes to research. Since we finance our projects and topics from different sources, we only need to be granted one percent of state finances and already we are caught up in the restrictions of the national travel expense laws for public services. On the other hand, I am pleased that the research grants were topped up in the last legislative period. This is a good signal: Just whether or not more money alone is enough to advance Germany's position remains to be seen: Our country's future depends on how we manage to successfully implement innovations in industry. We have to become more innovative and creative to be able to hold our own. To achieve this particularly in research we need entrepreneurial freedom. Research has to be given the chance to bear risks independently.

In brief: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for institutes of applied research in Europe, undertaking contract research on behalf of industry, the service sector and the government. Commissioned by customers in industry, it provides rapid, economical and immediately applicable solutions to technical and organizational problems. Within the framework of the European Union's technology programs, the Fraunhofer - Gesellschaft is actively involved in industrial consortiums which seek technical solutions to improve the competitiveness of European industry.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft also assumes a major role in strategic research: Commissioned and funded by Federal and Länder ministries and governments, the organization undertakes future-oriented research projects which contribute to the development of innovations in spheres of major public concern and in key technologies. Typical research fields include communications, energy, microelectronics, manufacturing, transport and the environment.

The global alignment of industry and research has made international collaboration imperative. Furthermore, affiliate Fraunhofer institutes in Europe, in the USA and in Asia ensure contact to the most important current and future economic markets. At present, the organization maintains 56 research establishments at locations throughout Germany. A staff of some 12,000 - the majority of whom are qualified scientists and engineers - generate the annual research volume of about one billion . Of this amount, over 850 million is derived from contract research. Research contracts on behalf of industry and publicly financed research projects generate approximately two thirds of the Fraunhofer-Gesellechaft's contract revenue. One third is contributed by the Federal and Lander governments, as a means of enabling the institutes to work on solutions to problems thai are expected to attain economic and social relevance in the next five to ten years.

The Fraunhofer scientists specialize in complex research tasks involving a broad spectrum of research fields. When required, several institutes pool their interdisciplinary expertise to develop system solutions.The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was founded in 1949 and is a recognized non-profit organization. Its members include well-known companies and private patrons who contribute to the promotion of its application-oriented policy.

The organization takes its name from Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787-1826), the successful Munich researcher, inventor and entrepreneur.