A high-tech master-plan for Germany.

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.