Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

“Innovation doesn't happen overnight. It requires a long-term outlook and reliable funding structures. The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) is therefore a key instrument for many SMEs in maintaining and strengthening their competitiveness,” emphasizes Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. “Companies without in-house R&D departments in particular rely on collaboration with universities and non-university research institutions to turn the latest research findings into marketable products and services and to remain competitive in fast-paced markets and in the face of international competition. Close collaboration between research institutions and companies is crucial to the innovative strength of SMEs and makes an important contribution to Germany's future as a center of industry and innovation.”

Hanselka adds: “With this in mind, the suspension of applications for the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) sends a troubling signal for Germany as a hub of innovation. After all, innovation requires predictability and a reliable policy framework. The suspension of applications for ZIM is particularly holding back highly innovative SMEs and their research partners. Especially in the current economic and geopolitical situation, Germany needs more investment in research and technology transfer, not less.”