Schleswig-Holstein is continually broadening and deepening the knowledge base in the state so as to be among Europe’s fastest-growing regions on a long-term basis. Outstanding research institutes such as the Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences (IFM-GEOMAR) in Kiel or the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT) in Itzehoe exemplify the direction Schleswig-Holstein is heading in. IFM-GEOMAR plays a decisive role in the success of the Future Ocean Cluster of Excellence, which attracts millions of euros in federal research grants. ISIT and the Innovation Centre form the backbone of activities in the field of microelectronics because the competencies in microelectronics in Schleswig-Holstein are bundled at the high-tech location of Itzehoe where 56 companies with a total workforce of 650 generate turnover in excess of €250 million.
The state’s academic, research and teaching community collaborates closely and on an interdisciplinary basis with Schleswig-Holstein’s business sector – to ensure that the innovative power of Schleswig-Holstein’s predominantly small to mid-sized businesses generates growth and jobs. Networks set up in the economy’s core competence areas are key players in translating more knowledge into more innovations. Schleswig-Holstein’s strongest industries in turnover and job terms include:

•   Life sciences (medical technology and biotechnology)

•   Maritime technologies and shipbuilding

•   Renewable energies (wind energy and biomass)

•   IT and telecommunications

•   Micro- and nanotechnologies

•   Food

•   Tourism

•   Chemicals and petroleum processing

•   Aeronautical and traffic engineering