The materials science and the material and surface technologies contribute as cross-cutting technologies significantly to the solution of future issues and challenges, especially in the emerging / future fields of sustainable mobility, environmental protection, renewable energy and health. They are key drivers of innovation and product innovation for almost all industries.
According to this cross-cutting character numerous companies from various industries work and research in the field of new materials and surfaces in Baden-Wuerttemberg. This work often forms a significant part of their innovation management. Increasingly often, these companies specialize to meet the needs of their customers and thus to maintain and strengthen their competitiveness.
In addition to universities and colleges, almost all business-related non-university research institutions in Baden-Wuerttemberg deal with issues of technological development of new materials. Overall, the research landscape in Baden-Württemberg is well positioned on the topic of new materials. In many areas - such as the multi-material technology - Baden-Wuerttemberg has a significant technological advantage for years.
The networking activities take place in Baden-Wuerttemberg due to their heterogeneity typically in specialized clusters and networks, such as the Allianz Fiberbasierte Werkstoffe Baden-Wuerttemberg e.V. (AFBW). In addition, the Baden-Wuerttemberg state agencies, particularly the lightweight BW GmbH - State Agency for lightweight construction Baden-Wuerttemberg, e-mobil BW GmbH - State Agency for Electric Mobility and Fuel Cell Technology Baden-Wuerttemberg and BIOPRO Baden-Wuerttemberg GmbH are key players in this field of technology.
For the future it can be expected that the development of new materials is an important driver for innovation in other fields of technology. Not least because of the strategic importance a stable growth is predicted for the future.