Impact indicators of the RIS Monitoring 2021–2023: Developments, trends and innovation potential

The accompanying monitoring of the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) Thuringia includes the observation of R&D activities and innovation-supporting measures for the implementation of the strategy, as well as the observation of the long-term effects of these activities and thus the achievement of the strategy goals. The current factsheet "Impact Indicators 2021-2023“ makes both field-specific effects and the overarching strategic impacts of the years 2021–2023 visible and classifies the developments in a European comparison.

Stable structures, clear specializations – Thuringia's economic profile remains recognizable

Despite economic uncertainties, the structure of Thuringia's specialization fields remains robust. In all fields, the number of employees has remained stable or even increased between 2021 and 2023. The strength of the location is particularly evident where Thuringia is traditionally well positioned: in industrial production, the healthcare industry, and sustainable energy. 

Outstanding once again is the production optical and photographic instruments and devices, which achieve the highest values in both employment and sales, and shows how strongly Thüringen is positioned in individual high-tech segments. 

Revenue trends in many sectors are also pointing upward, even though 2022 was an interim year with declines. The export ratio in the manufacturing sector remains stable and confirms the international competitiveness of Thuringian companies. 

Thüringen remains a “Strong Innovator” – but R&D intensity is declining

In a European comparison, the Free State continues to assert itself as a “Strong Innovator”. In many indicators of the Regional Innovation Scoreboard, Thuringia is above the EU average. Particularly noteworthy is the high proportion of innovative SMEs that enter into cooperations: at 187.4% of the EU average (2025), Thuringia is far above the European average. 

At the same time, the R&D intensity of the economy decreased from 1.35% in 2021 to 1.12% in 2023, and R&D personnel also declined over the same period. The main reason is the decrease in R&D expenditure in the business sector. Start-up activity in the high-tech sector follows a similar trend. 

Conclusion

The RIS monitoring shows an overall stable economic structure with clear specialization focuses. The challenge is to consistently develop these further – through investments in research, by strengthening technology-oriented start-ups, and by promoting cooperation between business, science, and public actors.

Further information

The detailed results are published in the factsheet: