Mapping of Southern German test facilities

Southern Germany leads the way in technological innovation and academia-industry collaboration. Here, test and demonstration facilities act as catalysts for screening new ideas and technologies. 

Southern Germany is home to a high density of knowledge-intensive companies, universities, and research institutions, often engaged in strategic R&I partnerships. Innovation Centre Denmark Munich provides insights into public-private partnership (PPP) models, specifically where industry and academia co-locate. In a mapping back in 2021, ICDK Munich analyzed these constellations and the value they generate for both sectors.

Learning from Germany?

How is infrastructure utilized in Southern German PPPs, and what can Denmark learn? To answer this, ICDK Munich and the The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) published the report “TEST AND DEMONSTRATION FACILITIES IN SOUTHERN GERMANY” a few years back. The report features a map of test facilities, expert interviews, and case studies.

• Fraunhofer Institutes: Offer scalable, standardized models for industry collaboration, often supported by regional, national, or EU funding (e.g., innovation vouchers).
• Umbrella Organizations: Act as single points of entry to multiple facilities, simplifying access to testing capacity and specialized know-how within a system-wide context.
• Sector Focus: Most facilities focus on Industry 4.0, production tech, and digitalization, with a growing emphasis on green transition and sustainability.
• Strategic Incentives: Facilities center around regional strengths, creating strong incentives for sector-specific collaboration.