Demands of the University Alliance for SMEs – Less is more
Transfer between science and business is an essential key to reducing the innovation gap between research and commercial exploitation. Transfer funding programs from the federal and state governments are a central instrument for initiating cooperation between universities and medium-sized businesses. The University alliance for medium-sized businesses (HAfM) has therefore analyzed transfer funding programs in more detail and presented the first results at the 10th Berlin Transfer Conference in February 2026 in Berlin. On this basis, the members of the alliance have now derived objectives for future funding structures.
Study shows: Many funding programs ignore small and medium-sized businesses
More transparent and reliable funding and incentive instruments support a closer connection between business and science
says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kira Kastell, HAfM chairwoman and president of the Hamm-Lippstadt University. Accordingly, one of the HAfM’s main concerns is to target the effectiveness of the state transfer funding programs more precisely. However, there are so far only a few reliable statements about the perception, significance and even impact of the large number of transfer funding programs listed in various studies. The University Alliance for SMEs has therefore examined over 80 nationwide programs as well as some state programs for transfer funding, particularly with regard to their relevance for SMEs. The result is sobering: around half of all transfer-relevant programs have little relevance for medium-sized businesses. Some of the programs are often only advertised once and then discontinued. Hardly any statements can be made about its effectiveness.
Untangling the funding jungle: More impact through focus
The 16 members of the University Alliance for SMEs are therefore calling for clear and transparent structures for transfer funding. The around 70 known programs from federal ministries with different criteria lead to a great deal of confusion for both applicant universities and medium-sized companies. The fact that around half of these programs are not even taken into account by universities is an alarming indication. For small companies, this funding jungle is even more impenetrable
sums up Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Ritzenhoff, HAfM managing director. Even if existing resources were not increased, a smaller number of programs could create a significantly greater perception of transfer. Of course, it would be even better to build up financial resources that are specifically invested in a few, e.g. T. new programs flow. The transfer funding thicket urgently needs to be untangled
says Prof. Kastell. Less is more to support the joint innovative collaboration between HAW and medium-sized businesses.
More freedom and targeted HAW funding
Another aspect that became clear through the HAfM analysis is in the area of structures. The HAfM considers significantly greater degrees of freedom in project implementation to be necessary, with universities being able to take responsibility for controlling and prioritizing the sub-projects. The Central Innovation Program for SMEs as well as the expiring DATIpilot programs are examples of this. In addition, there should be significantly more HAW-specific programs that better and more directly support the cooperation processes between universities of applied sciences and medium-sized companies. Programs such as the HAW Research Practice and HAW Research Accents offer the right approaches. Programs such as KMU-Innovativ, the Innovative University and Industrial Community Research were and are also well received
says Prof. Kastell. Based on the present analysis of transfer funding, it is already impressively clear that the existing federal and state programs have more potential if the adjustment screws are adjusted. The HAfM will continue the investigations and publish the results accordingly.