Multiple ways of cooperation

In which way can cooperation with the Fraunhofer IMWS proceed?

 

Individual orders

The classic case of cooperation: The company identifies a need for research or development; it wants to launch a new product innovation on the market, improve a method or test a process and have it certified. A meeting with the Fraunhofer IMWS shows what ways are available to produce solutions, what form of cooperation is suitable and what cost is to be expected. The objective of the cooperation – whether small or extensive – is to solve the problem and introduce the innovation in the company or in the market.

 

Large projects with many partners

Some problems are so complex that several partners have to develop the solution. The entire framework of the Fraunhofer Institutes is then available to clients. External partners and other companies can also be brought in. Fraunhofer researchers have experience in the efficient and fair implementation of large projects. And you also know what government funding could be available.

 

International cooperations

Fraunhofer is also represented abroad. Many Fraunhofer employees have international experience, corresponding cultural and language skills and know the worldwide markets from their own observations. This means that companies that operate internationally can also be supported abroad.

 

Strategic partnerships

The Fraunhofer IMWS wants to expedite and press ahead with promising technologies. From this preliminary research, which initially takes place independently of orders, long-standing partnerships with companies often result. 

 

Innovation cluster – networking promotes performance

Handling complex projects can require the enlisting of many skills and fields. The long-term cooperation of several research institutions and companies is an advantage. This is why – with the support of the Federal Government – Fraunhofer has launched innovation clusters. The task of such a cluster is to bring together the expert partners of a region to solve sophisticated tasks. Apart from industry and universities, other local non-university research institutes are involved, which can make important contributions to the relevant topic. The Fraunhofer IMWS is actively engaged in numerous such clusters.

Networks are created from the spatial proximity of research organizations, investors and businesses, which can lead to new business ideas and start-ups. Regional innovation clusters close the gap between industry and science. Successful clusters stimulate competition and at the same time create a fruitful cooperation, from which ultimately everybody profits.

 

Spin-offs

Researchers of the Fraunhofer Institutes are creative and understand how to implement good ideas in practice. They often use a new development, product or method to become independent and form their own company. Fraunhofer itself invests in such spin-offs only to a certain degree. The clients and customers of a new development are often interested in becoming a co-partner of the spin-off company. This enables them to participate in the continued success and development of a technology in the long-term.

The contact between a spin-off and the original Fraunhofer Institute remains close in most cases. The new businesses know the advantages of research cooperation from first had, use their contacts and are pleased to continue working with Fraunhofer.