Dr. Rainer Frietsch

Head of the Department of Innovation and Knowledge Economy
Fraunhofer ISI


Rainer Frietsch Leiter der Abteilung Innovations- und Wissensökonomie am Fraunhofer Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI.

Rainer Frietsch hat zunächst eine Ausbildung zum Kaufmann im Groß- und Außenhandel absolviert, ehe er Sozialwissenschaften an der Universität Mannheim studierte. Im Jahr 2011 promovierte er im Bereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT). Seit Oktober 2000 arbeitet Rainer Frietsch am Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI in Karlsruhe. Von 2008 bis Juni 2019 war er Leiter des Geschäftsfelds Innovationsindikatoren und stellvertretender Leiter des Competence Centers Politik – Wirtschaft – Innovation. Seit Juli 2019 ist er Leiter der Abteilung Innovations- und Wissensökonomie. Seit 2008 ist er Gast-Professor an den Institutes of Science and Development (CAS-ISD) der Chinesischen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Peking.

Seine Arbeitsschwerpunkte sind: Patentstatistik, Bibliometrie, technologische Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, Wissenschafts- und Innovationspolitik.

  • - Uhr

    Deep Dive Session II: Do the current geopolitical developments require a new approach to innovation policy?

    InnoNation Stage
    Deep Dive

    Germany's innovation system is facing challenges from all sides: well-known competitors such as China are getting stronger, old friends are questioning relations at all levels, and a united Europe agreeing on common approaches is still in the making. In this time of uncertainty and upheaval, Germany must define its role in the global innovation system and assume its position as the third-largest economy. In doing so, it is important to find new balances. Whereas in the past we were often too open in our re-search and innovation system (in technologically sensitive areas), we must now better protect our know-how while still accelerating cooperation.

    Key technologies are multi-use, and it is generally impossible to specify whether they will be used purely for civilian or military purposes. This makes it all the more important to conduct this new political debate in Germany's innovation system against the backdrop of the Zeitenwende, to determine in which areas science and industry should focus their research activities, or indeed must research due to the global threat situation. But what financial resources are needed to tackle these new tasks? Does the Hightech_Agenda_Deutschland offer the right answers? And how can we strengthen innovation cooperation with our European and international partners? Germany must develop answers to these innovation policy questions. Join us for an in-depth look at the Innovation Indicator 2025 and let's discuss the results together with international experts.

    David Born, Head, Roland Berger Institute

    Rainer FrietschHead of the Department of Innovation and Knowledge Economy, Fraunhofer ISI

    Nannan Lundin, Chief Analyst, Innovation Agency of Sweden

    Terrie Romano, Consul, National Research Council Canada

    Ina Sebastian, Vice President R&D&I Policy, Infineon Technologies

    Selina Sia, Regional Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)

    Jennifer Sarah Boone, Moderatorin

Übersicht: InnoNation Festival