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This article focuses on a high-tech master-plan for Germany. Research and Innovation activities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Germany have been failing behind for many years. To improve the framework conditions for innovative SME, the German federal government has launched a high-tech master plan. A main focus is to improve access to venture capital for high-technology start-ups and new technology-based enterprises. The high-tech master plan has set up six centres for innovation competence to promote top-level research at public research institutions. Further actions include the reduction of bureaucracy in order to stimulate entrepreneurship.

Reports on the development of a program called Zentrum für Innovationskompetenz (ZIK) to set up New Länder research centers in Germany. Research strategy of the ZIK; Highlights of the program; Framework for top-level scientific research by young scholars.

The German federal government launched an initiative in January 2004 on "Partners for Innovation." It intends to bring together businesses, academia and politics in order to strengthen innovation activities throughout the economy. It also aims at removing barriers to innovation and creating new trust in the country's innovative capacity. The partners for innovation are expected to strengthen networking among the people of the innovation system, to improve framework conditions for innovation and patenting and identify future markets for technology made in Germany. The government is attempting to raise the total expenditure for research and development in Germany up to 3% of GDP in 2010.