European and International Cooperation

The European and International Cooperation Division supports its clients in cooperating with European and international partners in research, education and innovation. To this end, we offer the governments of the German Federal and State governments, the European Commission and other actors from politics, science, industry and education tailor-made services from a single source. Our aim is to develop and implement strategies and concepts for action and to safeguard our clients' interests in European and global cooperation in the best possible way.

Our strengths lie in strategic consulting, research and funding management and knowledge transfer, but also in communication and networking across national borders. We see ourselves as bridge builders: between politics on the one hand and the actors in research, education and innovation on the other.

Recognising trends – across borders

Our profound knowledge of methods gives us a special advisory competence. We have detailed knowledge of political strategies, key actors and the operational strengths of internationally important partner countries. On this basis, we develop roadmaps and scenarios for international cooperation for our clients (for example, the Green Hydrogen agenda process, the study "Strategic Foresight in the Western Balkans", the German-Russian Roadmap) and evaluate programmes and instruments of European and international cooperation (for example, evaluation of EU regional policy, the study "Reverse Innovation" within the framework of the African-European Innovation Partnership, evaluation of the "Tenure Track Pilot Programme").

We identify trends and topics that are important for our clients, such as the internationalisation of SMEs. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make a crucial contribution to the innovation performance of the German economy. We have been involved in this field for a long time: we are the contact for the European research and innovation network EUREKA in Germany and implement the Eurostars funding programme. In addition, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), we advise SMEs and start-ups on the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council.

As the coordinating and transfer office of the "Model Projects Smart Cities" (MPSC), we work together with the participating municipalities to shape the exchange of knowledge and experience among themselves and provide them with optimal support on their way to becoming sustainable and liveable smart cities.

Implementing funding programmes worldwide

As the International Office and COST Coordination Office, we provide customised advice to those interested in funding from science and industry on the opportunities of global networking and on bilateral and multilateral funding programmes. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), we implement funding programmes for international cooperation with partners worldwide – from the initiation of research and innovation partnerships to the promotion of project-related expert exchanges and the implementation of comprehensive cooperation projects.

We facilitate access to European funding programmes in research, education and innovation for German universities and research institutions, companies, educational institutions and other actors – for example, through the BMBF's EU Office, which is based here and acts as a central contact point for all aspects of Horizon Europe and as the office of the National Contact Points for European funding advice and information. Within the framework of the German EU Presidencies, the EU Office provides organisational and programmatic support to the BMBF in research, education and innovation.

With the National Coordination Office EURAXESS Germany, which is located at the DLR Project Management Agency (DLR-PT), we also offer an information and advice centre on behalf of the BMBF for internationally mobile researchers who are coming to Germany for scientific work or would like to go abroad.

In the framework contract "International Service Facility", we carried out measures for the European Commission to internationalise research and innovation.

In line with the "European Green Deal", the European and International Cooperation Area contributes to greater sustainability in many areas, taking into account the United Nations' "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs). Examples include the BMBF's framework announcement on green hydrogen, the competition "Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development" and the funding initiative "Research on resilience strengthening and structural development in African cities and urban areas".

Staying in the international conversation

On behalf of our clients, we work to convey a positive, innovation- and future-oriented image of Germany abroad. For example, we implement international campaigns under the brand "Research in Germany – Land of Ideas".

The topic of education and science diplomacy is of increasing importance. This is why we support the BMBF in the conception and implementation of the Prize for Education and Science Diplomacy, or "BWD Prize" for short, which awards relevant initiatives with a pioneering role.

We cooperate with more than 130 countries worldwide and represent our clients at the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) and at European level -– for example, as the National Contact Point for the STIP Compass, a global database of research initiatives jointly financed by the OECD and the European Commission, or in the design and implementation of initiatives in the European Research Area (ERA) and in negotiations on the European Research Framework Programme.

In the Brussels Future Talks - the new political discussion series of our Brussels office - we also deal with Science Diplomacy as well as other important topics such as Strategic Foresight.