Fraunhofer Institute Presents 2020 Annual Report

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Germany's largest applied research organization, has released its 2020 annual report, demonstrating its ability to maintain and consolidate its position during a challenging economic period.

The organization's total business volume remained stable at 2.8 billion euros in 2020, with contract research accounting for 2.4 billion euros. Fraunhofer filed over 600 patent applications and launched more than 20 spin-off companies, underscoring its role as an engine for innovation.

With approximately 29,000 employees across 75 institutes and research units, Fraunhofer focuses on developing key future technologies and facilitating their commercialization through partnerships with industry. Its work aims to strengthen the economic and scientific standing of Germany and Europe.

In 2020, Fraunhofer employees submitted 753 invention disclosures and 638 patent applications. The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG, established 18 months prior, further bolstered the organization's portfolio by advancing the renewable energy transition.

The organization strategically aligned its research fields in 2020, focusing on areas such as bioeconomy, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, and resource efficiency. These strategic directions aim to enhance Germany's and Europe's competitiveness in leading technological domains.