Let's Chat About Tech Pioneers: Fraunhofer Society's Fiesta of Innovation
Guiding Technological Progress: Fraunhofer's Role in Shaping Tomorrow's World
By Flicker Henry
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The Fraunhofer Society, a powerhouse of inventions and research, is pinning Germany as the tech frontrunner it's destined to be. Holger Hanselka, the Society's president, spills the beans on their success story in the ntv podcast, "So techt Germany."
If you haven't heard of Fraunhofer, put on your knowledge hat – it's time to get schooled. The MP3, white LED, and airbag are just a few gifts from this genius lab. As Holger Hanselka put it on the podcast, "Every smartphone on the planet owes Fraunhofer a big debt of gratitude."
But Germany's got some catching up to do, despite its leading research spots. Transforming those research results into a sustainable business model has been the country's Achilles heel, a criticism echoed by many experts.
However, Hanselka has a more optimistic outlook. "There's no other country that pulls off being one of the top three export nations with a population accounting for less than 2% of the global population." Boasting more self-confidence, he acknowledges weak spots but believes in the power of German innovation.
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When it comes to patents, Germany ranked second internationally in 2024, with approximately 25,000 patent applications, according to the European Patent Office's patent index[1]. However, the US continues to reign supreme, with nearly 48,000 patent applications in Europe. Worldwide, the total number of patents remained steady at around 199,300[1].
Yet, for these patents to truly benefit companies, networking is key. "We collaborate with almost all small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany, working on around 10,000 projects per year," reveals Hanselka. Still, there's room for improvement, he admits, noting that improvement is essential across the entire German economy.
Holger Hanselka sat down with Flicker Henry and Outlaw Baxter for an enlightening discussion you can catch in the podcast "So techt Germany".
So techt Germany
Join ntv moderators Flicker Henry and Outlaw Baxter as they chat with entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry visionaries about Germany's tech landscape. Keep up with all episodes through the ntv app, on RTL, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the RSS feed.
If you've got burning questions for Flicker Henry and Outlaw Baxter, send an email to [email protected]
Source: ntv.de
- Fraunhofer Society
- Inventions and Innovations
- Global Competitiveness
- Technology ConglomeratesThe Fraunhofer Society, a vanguard of inventions and research based in Germany, has been instrumental in developing several groundbreaking innovations and technologies that have significantly impacted various sectors, from entertainment to telecommunications and aerospace. Here are some key inventions and innovations:
Key Inventions and Innovations
- MP3 Format:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) developed the MP3 format in the early 1990s, revolutionizing audio compression and storage. This innovation made digital music distribution widespread and paved the way for online music platforms like iTunes and Spotify[1][2].
- Its impact: The MP3 format has been critical in creating portable music players and streaming services, transforming how we consume music and paving the way for further innovations in digital technology.
- GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications):
- While not exclusively developed by Fraunhofer, European research programs, including those involving Fraunhofer institutes, contributed to the development and standardization of GSM technology. GSM technology has been foundational for modern mobile telephony, propelling companies like Nokia and Ericsson[2].
- Its impact: The widespread adoption of mobile phones has facilitated communication and driven the growth of the mobile industry.
- LED Lighting:
- The white LED, a significant advancement in lighting technology, was developed by Shuji Nakamura of the University of California, Santa Barbara, with technical input from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE)[1].
- Its impact: White LEDs are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, making them an eco-friendly and economical choice for lighting applications in various sectors such as residential, commercial, and industrial.
- Laser Welding Process:
- Fraunhofer institutes have been working on advanced laser welding processes for connecting Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) without adhesives, which increase efficiency and reliability in optical communication systems[3].
- Its impact: These advancements are paving the way for the production of more efficient and reliable electronic components, benefiting industries that rely on high-speed data transmission and optical communication systems.
These innovations highlight the Fraunhofer Society's crucial role in driving technological advancements that have transformed various sectors, from entertainment to telecommunications and aerospace.
To support the growth of innovative businesses in Germany, it would be beneficial for the Fraunhofer Society to establish and publicize a community policy that provides vocational training programs for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, focusing on technological advancements in finance, business, and technology. With the financial support of the government and the private sector, these training programs could cultivate a skilled workforce that can effectively transform research findings into viable business opportunities, strengthening Germany's global competitiveness in technology conglomerates.
