Technologieprofil der Region Rhein-Main

Following evaluation of the product spectrum of approximately 20,000 preselected enterprises, a total of 2303 technology-based firms were identified which fulfilled the high-tech criteria developed in the study "High-Tech-Unternehmen in der Region RheinMain. Grundlagenstudie" (Koschatzky et al. 1992). Despite incomplete employment figures, it can thus be assumed that the share of technology-based firms in total employment in the RhineMain area is of the order of 10-15%. Of the 100 largest German industrial companies, as many as 18 have their headquarters in this region (e.g. Hoechst, Boehringer). The majority of technology-based enterprises, however (ca.95%), are small and medium sized firms with a high degree of regional attachment. The most important location for technology-based firms is Frankfurt city, where 415 (18%) are situated. The area immediately around Frankfurt is also attractive to these enterprises. As the distance from Frankfurt increases, there is a marked decrease in t he number of firms, especially towards the south-east and the west. Altogether 112 research institutes (including university institutes) were identified which are engaged in research in high tech fields. These institutes employ a workforce of 7880, of which are 3700 scientists. The majority of these institutions are engaged in applied research and also carry out contract research for industry.