Information and communication technology, innovative and production-related services
The fast and mobile exchange of information has established itself as a significant growth factor with the digitalisation of all areas of life. According to the BMBF, more than 80 per cent of innovations in the sectors important to Germany are based on developments from the field of information and communication technologies. Accompanying this structural change, more and more creative service providers are contributing to the innovations – from product features to new business models. This combination of creativity and technical developments opens up new markets, for example, for new intelligent services.
In terms of industry classification, the field of specialisation includes large parts of the ICT sector, as well as individual creative industries.
Although the ICT sector in Thuringia is rather small, it is experiencing significant growth compared to the national average. With ITnet Thüringen e.V., a network has been established that operates in cooperation with the other clusters and networks throughout Thuringia.
The scientific expertise for this industry cluster is found in eight universities (four universities and four universities of applied sciences) and five research facilities.
Research focuses include digital engineering, digital media technology, analysis, management and simulation of complex systems, mobile communication, precision systems and technical and biomedical assistance systems. The creative industries are supported with two special application centres (bauhaus FACTORY and STUDIOPARK Children's Media Centre), among others.
Vision and goals
Shaping the Digital Economy: The cornerstone of the Bauhaus as the most important design school of the modern age – the work community of "artist, technician and merchant" – is adapted in a contemporary way for the economy in Thuringia, and becomes the basis of a new departure in innovation strategy. The combination of technical solution and handling, of product, service and market, using the possibilities of networked processes and digital functions, ensures our competitiveness and growth prospects.
The following strategic objectives are at the forefront:
Partners and key stakeholders
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Networks
IT network Thuringia
The most important concerns of IT network Thuringia are intelligent networking and the growth of the IT sector in Thuringia – together with its members and partners. The areas of responsibility are helping to shape economic policy, location marketing and shaping joint work, especially through networking and cooperation. Currently, 43 companies with a total of about 1,300 employees belong to the network.
Mobile Cluster Central Germany
The Mobile Cluster Central Germany was established in 2014 with the aim of holistically representing the mobile industry to business, politics and research. The range of services offered by the member companies extends from a pure market overview and strategic advice to concept and design, as well as original development and marketing. The cluster currently has eight members, whose 150 employees work for well-known clients such as HRS, WirtschaftsWoche and AVIS.
