Innovation pays off: Why more and more Thuringian companies are investing in research and development

Opening up new markets, improving products, making processes more efficient, or overcoming technological challenges: Research and Development (R&D) is a key factor for many companies to remain competitive in the long term. The latest results of the RIS monitoring show that an increasing number of Thuringian companies are successfully pursuing this path. 

Thuringia's companies invest in the future

Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 1,327 research and development projects were launched in Thuringia. Funding amounting to around 593 million euros was approved for this purpose. At least 421 Thuringian actors from business, science, and research are participating in the projects. 

Particularly noteworthy is the involvement of the business community: 352 companies participated in R&D projects during the period under review. They implemented a total of 680 projects and benefited from funding grants amounting to around 278 million euros. Around 40 percent of the participating companies were involved in multiple projects. This speaks to sustainable innovation strategies and shows that, from the perspective of many companies, investing in research is worthwhile. 

Research is not a solo endeavor

A key success factor of the Thuringia innovation location is the close cooperation between companies, universities, and research institutions. This is particularly visible in the collaborative projects of the FTI-Thuringia TECHNOLOGY program.

Between 2023 and 2025, 160 companies participated in collaborative projects with universities and research institutions to jointly develop solutions for current challenges such as decarbonization, technological sovereignty, and resilient value chains. Funding of around 105.7 million euros was approved for this purpose.

Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, collaborations offer the opportunity to access scientific know-how, share development risks, and bring new technologies into application more quickly. The high level of participation by Thuringian companies in joint projects shows that this model works. 

Also successful at the federal and European level

Thuringian companies not only use state funding programs but are also successful with federal and EU funding. In the period from 2023 to 2025, 713 R&D projects with federal funding and 117 projects under Horizon Europe were implemented. 

The competitiveness of the location is particularly evident in the European research program Horizon Europe: Thuringian companies participated in 50 projects and secured funding of more than 20 million euros. A focus is on digitalization, microelectronics and other key technologies.

Making innovation strength visible

On behalf of the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs, LEG Thüringen accompanies the implementation of RIS Thuringia and uses RIS monitoring to make developments, potentials and successes in innovation visible. 

Innovation strength is also reflected in key figures

These positive developments are also reflected in key innovation indicators. In 2023, Thuringian universities raised an average of 60,780 euros in third-party funds per academic staff member, thus exceeding the national average.

Thuringia also holds a strong position in patents: With a patent intensity of 24 patent applications per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, the Free State maintains its top position among the eastern German states and ranks sixth nationwide.

Innovation begins with the first project

The results of the RIS monitoring show: More and more Thuringian companies are using research and development to launch new products, technologies and business models. The available funding and cooperation opportunities provide important support for this. 

Further information

The detailed results are published in the factsheet: