The "Leading-Edge Cluster" competition of the federal government is the

flagship of the high-tech strategy in Germany: The competition was launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in August 2007 under the motto "Germany's cluster of excellence – More innovation. More growth. More jobs".

Strengthening strengths

The objective of the "Leading-Edge Cluster" competition is to provide the most capable clusters with support on their way towards securing a position within the group of top international companies. By supporting the strategic development of such outstanding clusters, it should be possible to turn regional innovation into added value on a sustainable basis. This, in turn, will secure and create growth and jobs while making Germany more attractive as a center of innovation.

During the competitions, of which there will be three in total, a high-ranking and independent jury choose between one and five clusters of excellence, which then receive support over a period of up to five years. There are no prerequisites with regard to subjects: those applicants with the best strategies for markets of the future - in relation to their specific sectors - are chosen.

The Software-Cluster received an award during the second round of the competition at the beginning of 2010, and will receive support within the scope of the Leading-Edge Cluster competition until 2015.

More information is available at: www.hightech-strategie.de