Initiative for effective knowledge transfer between science and industry – meeting at the EZD in Selb

The European Centre for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) is a flagship project in Upper Franconia. It was established by the SKZ Plastics Centre – Germany’s largest plastics institute – in close cooperation with industry and with significant support from the Free State of Bavaria and the special commitment of State Secretary Martin Schöffel.

‘The EZD is strongly committed to the sustainable strengthening of Germany as a centre of science and business,’ explains Dr Felipe Wolff-Fabris. The focus is on the effective transfer of research results into industrial practice – a key lever for bringing innovations into application more quickly and ensuring the competitiveness of companies.

‘Industry-oriented research and close networking with companies are key success factors for Germany as a location for innovation,’ emphasises Prof. Martin Bastian, Chairman of the SKZ.

During the meeting, the outstanding role of the EZD and the SKZ as drivers of innovation for the region and beyond was highlighted. Ideas and concepts for specifically strengthening knowledge transfer were also discussed.

Particular attention was paid to the proposal to initiate a visible and sustainable ‘pact for transfer to small and medium-sized enterprises’ as a member of the Zuse Community – an association of more than 85 application-oriented, industry-related research institutions. This pact is intended to serve as a catalyst for a new quality of transfer and form the basis for an umbrella brand ‘Initiative Research & Application’.

In view of the current economic situation in Germany – characterised by a weak economy, rising insolvencies and a tense labour market – the rapid transfer of scientific knowledge to industry is more urgent than ever. Delays not only jeopardise technological leadership positions, but also the economic exploitation of time-critical research results.

Dr Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, emphasised in her statement: "The European Centre for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) impresses not only with its scientific excellence, but also with its successful transfer of research results into industrial applications. It exemplifies the goals of Germany’s high-tech agenda as pursued by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research: less bureaucracy, stronger start-up support and targeted investments create the conditions for research to not only generate knowledge, but also enable innovation."

Martin Schöffel, State Secretary in the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and Home Affairs, added: ‘The EZD continues to develop very successfully. I am impressed by the high level of expertise available at this research and application centre. Here, in collaboration with local companies, special solutions and new products are developed that significantly strengthen their market position. I have great respect for the achievements of Dr Felipe Wolff-Fabris and Prof. Dr Martin Bastian.’

About the EZD
The European Centre for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) is a leading research institution dedicated to the development and application of modern dispersion technologies. The focus is on the formulation and production of inks, coatings, materials for additive manufacturing, battery suspensions and adhesives. In close cooperation with partners from industry and science, innovative solutions for current and future challenges are developed here.