Introduction

Abstract

This reader documents the research profile of the Department of “Innovation Services and Regional Development” (IR) of Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI), Karlsruhe, from the angle of new technology-based firms. IR is one of seven departments of ISI and its work concentrates on new, small and medium-sized technology-based firms, their specific problems in the innovation process and their interactions with their business environment. This includes financing and consulting aspects as well as the providing of information on markets and technologies. Cooperation between individual suppliers of finance and innovation services are of interest, as are regional aspects in the innovation process and in technology development. Finally, the design and effectiveness of public policy compensating for deficits in the supply and demand of innovation resources by means of financial assistance, supportive services and regulative measures intended to help optimize innovation processes and promote an innovative “Mittelstand” are examined.