Field of research
With its research focus on urban and rural regions, the FHM addresses a key area of the High-Tech Agenda Germany by focusing on the regional and spatial dimensions of the innovative capacity of SMEs. The research results show a positive correlation between regionally rooted family businesses—which are often located outside major metropolitan areas—and regional innovative strength. In addition, the research aims to examine, shape, and further develop the relationships between urban and rural areas and the role of rural areas in various sectors. In particular, the conditions and public perception of SMEs, which often operate in regions far from urban centers, are to be improved.
Furthermore, these SMEs are to be integrated into innovation clusters, while a broad spectrum of training, continuing education, and transformation opportunities is to be created to further support their important and promising contribution to regional and national development. Furthermore, these SMEs are to be integrated into innovation clusters, while a wide range of training, continuing education, and transformation opportunities will be created to further support their important and promising contribution to regional and national development.