Editorial

Dear Readers,

In reviewing 2007, we look back again on thousands of successful transfer projects. This year there was a noticeable leaning towards projects involving home-grown, small and medium-size enterprises. This fills us with confidence with respect to sales and business turnover. Rising sales in Germany, fuelled by the commitment of the transfer centers and sterling work carried out on projects, are a confirmation of the successful Steinbeis model. Apart from gaining in terms of flexibility, and their ability to focus on the needs of the customers, 2007 was also a good year for the 750 Steinbeis Enterprises because of the upturn in the economy. This acts as motivation to all of us to carry over the success from one year to the next and keep building on high sales.

Through their commitment, experts across the Steinbeis Network play a major role in speeding up innovation in the economy. Add to this ongoing economic instruments filtering down from politics – such as the creation of economic clusters, business start-ups, the expansion of regional technology parks and the introduction of centralized transfer offices at universities – the underlying positive attitude towards innovative thinking becomes even stronger. However, to maintain the knowledge advantage in an export-oriented country like Germany, innovation can no longer be seen as an “optional extra“. Companies have to consider it standard. Backed up by a political framework designed to encourage investment and innovative thinking really starts to gain momentum.

To respond to the growing number of customer demands, we dovetail knowledge and technology transfer with the processes of regional economic development. This is fuelled by Steinbeis’ commitment to success, personal motivation and the outstanding quality of our services. The Steinbeis Network is now so varied and encompasses so many fields of technology and management, that it has the power and flexibility to work with business partners holistically, i.e. across the board. There is a strong feeling of “togetherness“ at Steinbeis, which has particular benefits for people within the organization. Being part of the Steinbeis Network means enjoying independence on a financial level, but still knowing you have a dependable partner at your side.

As 2007 draws to a close, it is a time to gather our energy again and prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the task of mastering next year’s challenges and constantly changing global markets. On that note, I would like to wish you a pleasant transition into the new year and many opportunities to practice transfer in 2008.

Prof. Dr. Heinz Trasch

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