Clusters 4 Future
The Cluster Initiative
The Zukunftscluster-Initiative (Clusters4Future) is a cluster initiative launched by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) in August 2019. It starts early in the innovation process and particularly addresses newly emerging research topics and technologies on the threshold of application.
The next generation innovation networks are based on outstanding results of fundamental research. Their aim is to build new and lasting value systems and to quickly transfer research results into social and economic benefits by developing regional innovation networks. The focus is on research and innovation, and on creating new networks in specific regions beyond existing disciplines, including new players and new ways of knowledge creation and transformation using the open innovation culture in clusters.
In its six-month initial conceptualisation phase, the focus of the initiative was on research organisations. The funded participation of companies (e.g. SMEs) and other players in the next generation innovation networks is realised from the implementation phase onwards. There will be up to three three-year implementation phases with an increasing proximity to application.
The programme funds a large variety of cluster activities. It covers innovation-supporting measures such as the integration of education and training, innovative methods and instruments for the exchange and use of knowledge (e.g. open innovation and open source), the use of experimental spaces and participatory elements, and social innovations. However, the focus is on joint R&D project funding.
The Competition
The next generation innovation networks qualified for funding in a competition: In the first round of competition, the jury selected 16 out of 137 submissions. Based on the jury's recommendations, the BMFTR announced seven winners (next generation innovation networks) for a first implementation phase in February 2021.
The second round of competition attracted 117 submissions, from which the jury recommended 15 for funding as finalists. In July 2022, the BMFTR announced further seven next generation innovation networks.
The Clusters
The fourteen next generation innovation networks funded by the BMFRT aim to find suitable solutions to the major challenges of our time. The topics are as diverse and thematically open as the winning concepts: neuromorphic hardware for autonomous systems; personalised cell and gene therapy methods; sustainable marine research; quantum technology; new approaches of drug development; and hydrogen generation and storage. Universities, research institutions, companies, municipalities and other relevant regional stakeholders have joined forces to share exclusive knowledge and expertise.