Investment Continues to Thrive: Baden-Württemberg Maintains Top Position in Research and Development
**Baden-Württemberg Leads Germany in Research and Development Investments for 2023**
Baden-Württemberg has cemented its position as Germany's leading state in research and development (R&D) investments, according to recent findings from the State Statistical Office. The state's R&D expenditure accounts for over a quarter (26.3%) of the total German R&D spending, surpassing the federal average of 3.2% of the country's total economic output.
The state's commitment to R&D is evident in its investment of around €36 billion in 2023, representing a 20% increase from 2021. This significant boost has led to the creation of approximately 29,000 new jobs in the sector.
One of the key drivers behind Baden-Württemberg's success is its robust industrial base and high-value economy. With a gross regional product (GRP) of €572.8 billion in 2022, the state contributes about 14.8% of Germany's GDP, providing a strong foundation for high R&D spending.
The state's economic prowess is further bolstered by the presence of global high-tech companies, such as SAP SE, whose headquarters and primary R&D laboratories are based in Walldorf, Baden-Württemberg. These firms contribute significantly to the state's overall R&D investment and technological edge.
Moreover, Baden-Württemberg boasts a high concentration of innovative regions, with 91% of its regions ranking among the top future-proof and innovation-friendly areas in Germany. This highly favourable environment for research and development fosters continuous innovation and attracts investments.
The state also benefits from a highly qualified workforce and developed infrastructure, enabling efficient R&D processes and collaboration between industry and research institutions. Baden-Württemberg's focus on emerging technologies and applied research, spanning sectors such as IT, software development, aerospace, and engineering, further fuels its innovation drive.
In April 2023, the government and higher education institutions agreed on a funding package, with the state committing €23 billion alone to the basic funding of universities over the next five years. This investment in strong universities with innovative power is crucial, especially in times of crisis, according to Minister of Science Petra Olschowski (Greens).
To further support technology-oriented start-ups, Baden-Württemberg has established the "Next Generation Start-up Factory", a central point of contact that aims to support over 300 start-ups by 2030. The project, which has received up to €20 million in funding from both the federal government and the economy, plans to create more than 10,000 new jobs.
Minister of Economic Affairs, Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (CDU), expressed her satisfaction with Baden-Württemberg's performance in R&D, calling it the "engine of German innovation." As of 2023, around 213,000 people are employed in R&D in the state.
[1] Statistisches Landesamt Baden-Württemberg (2023). Forschungsausgaben in Baden-Württemberg 2023. Retrieved from https://www.statistik-bw.de/ [2] Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (2023). Innovationsregionen in Deutschland 2023. Retrieved from https://www.bmbf.de/ [3] SAP SE (2023). Research and Development. Retrieved from https://www.sap.com/ [4] Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (2023). Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand 4.0 Plus. Retrieved from https://www.bmwk.de/
- Baden-Württemberg's significant investment in research and development, amounting to around €36 billion in 2023, demonstrates a commitment to technology that is evident in its high-value economy.
- The state's focus on emerging technologies, such as IT, software development, aerospace, and engineering, contributes to its role as an innovation hub, fostering education-and-self-development in these fields.
