Open and vibrant. By Ingrid Walther, ICT/Media competence field manager for the Berlin State Ministry of Economy, Technology and Women
For good reason, and with great success, the region around the capital city of Berlin has been focusing part of its business policy on IT and communications since the 1990s. The result is above average growth rates. Berlin can score points with a large number of highly innovative startups and research groups. Their characteristic hallmarks and advantage are their close ties with the media and creative industry that is enjoying the full support of many networks and politicians. Admittedly, larger companies on the ITC sector are still a rare breed. Yet when it came to choosing a location for the ICT Lab of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology, the companies behind this initiative Siemens, DTAG and SAP decided on Berlin. Labs target a research and training culture borne by innovation and entrepreneurial initiative – so where better than Berlin?
The object of the coherent innovation strategy pursued by the Berlin Senate and uniting all actors to a common purpose is to identify and bolster the strengths of the location. Some of these are: The “Internet of Services” provides new potential for web based platforms offering services, and therefore great opportunities for small and medium sized companies. Yet what they need is a common standard.
Another focus is placed on mobile services, which are becoming increasingly more attractive. The Apps Competition we launched as part of the innovation strategy harvested over seventy contributions, proving just how inventive the region is. Just about ready to kick off, the Wireless Technology and Development Centre run in Berlin by the Berlin University of Applied Sciences will boost transfers between research and companies in the field of mobile applications.
The powerful and vibrant Open Source movement is one of Berlin’s trademarks. Here creativeness and innovation combine with an open mindedness that loves to experiment. The IT strategy unites the actors to a common purpose and provides a good environment. The region’s IT sector is still being underestimated. The city’s international reputation is often better than its own estimate. Targeted location marketing will help us to position our own strengths with greater awareness and so unlock the potential of new markets.