The emergence of new modes of R&D services in Germany

In Germany, R&D services as a subgroup of knowledge-intensive business services are considered to be increasingly crucial for the technological competitiveness of mature as well as high-tech industries. R&D services are provided by firms and other organisations, which are able to transform heterogeneous knowledge stocks into high-value-added problem-solving activities. Within this context, new modes of collaboration between industry and public research organisations in the form of public-private partnerships will develop as an organisational alternative of R&D services in the German innovation system. The article presents several case studies as specific forms of such partnerships, which bring competences from industry and research organisations together. This allows sufficient flexibility on both sides, but creates a framework in which knowledge flows are triggered, personnel mobility supported and transfer bridges being installed.