WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH
WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH is responsible for the development and administration of the Berlin-Adlershof Science Park. Berlin-Adlershof is Germany's most famous Science Park with an area of over 420 hectares and is recognized as the emerging "City of Science, Technology and Media" (www.adlershof.de).
The concept realised in Berlin-Adlershof, combines natural science theory, research and development with industrial, media and service companies as well as commerce with accommodation and leisure. In Berlin-Adlershof, synergies are being created, networks are being set up and innovation cycles shortened.
The first Incubator in Berlin-Adlershof, the Berlin Adlershof IGZ Incubator is one of the best demonstrable innovation projects. Since its foundation in 1991, nearly 200 innovative companies have been created from 1991 to 2002. Altogether in Adlershof today there are about 11.000 people working in 12 governmental research institutes and about 375 innovative SME as well as about 7.000 students.
Role of WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH
As stated, WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH is the development and administration authority for the Berlin Adlershof Science Park. In particular, the organisation is responsible for communication and marketing, the promotion of technology fields, and the acquisition of companies and institutes. It provides advice for company start-ups and business development promotes national and international co-operations and is developing both internal and external networks.
The supervisory board of the WISTA-MG consists of representatives from the Land of Berlin, the German industry (among them DaimlerChrysler, Siemens, RWE), and from known scientific institutions.
It has 10 years experience in setting up synergies between research, teaching and business, as well as in setting up new interdisciplinary development for key technologies.
WISTA is well experienced in creating thematic networks as e.g. for optics and photonics or for Microsystems technology. WISTA works together with local and regional innovation actors; establishing synergies within the specialised innovation centres. It exchanges its experience in using new developed web based cooperation possibilities and tools and other active support measures for start-ups. Experiences from international cooperation in exchange, qualification and mobility of researchers and SME-staff are also shared with other regions.
The overall concept for the development of the Science Park is based on close co-operation and synergy between the three pillars:
- Innovative companies
- University research and teaching
- Public research institution
Berlin-Adlershof Today
The science park is today home to:
- Approximately 375 technology-oriented enterprises with 3.600 employees,
- 6 natural science institutes of Humboldt University of Berlin (Mathematics, Information Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Psychology) have moved from the Centre of Berlin to Adlershof. Today, the Humboldt University has established already in Adlershof: 130 professors and 900 other staff. There are about 7,000 students at the Adlershof Campus.
- 12 non-university research institutions (approx. 1,500 employees, including 670 scientists and 130 graduate students and guests).
Companies and research institutes mainly work on innovative products and services in following fields of technology:
- Photonics and optical technologies,
- Materials and micro-systems technology,
- Information and media technology as well as
- Environmental, bio and energy technologies
Innovation Centres to incubate young companies were set up for the above mentioned technology fields between 1996 and 1998. The aim was to improve business conditions for start-ups, to encourage spin-offs from scientific institutes, and to provide new created innovative companies with adequate infrastructure and service at favourable terms.
Nevertheless outside the centres Adlershof offers individual rental and lease opportunities to established enterprises - or larger spaces for those former start-ups, which have already grown.
The spatial and technical proximity offers a variety of opportunities for dialogue. In Berlin-Adlershof synergies are produced, interdisciplinary work promoted, networks are constructed and innovation cycles shortened.
Contact
Helge Neumann
International Office
WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH
Rudower Chaussee 17
12489
Berlin
Germany
Tel: +49 30 63 92 22 30
Fax: +49 30 63 92 22 04
e-mail: helge@wista.de