Context + challenge

Develop an innovation strategy for the German Federal State of Lower Saxony, home to Volkswagen, Sartorius, and multiple clusters of leading European research-driven innovation hubs. Identify and operationalise high-impact future sectors while building on the existing strengths of the ecosystem. Strengthen research, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurial spirit, and enable a future-oriented innovation policy and practice.

Solution

Immersive and extensive stakeholder engagement on the interface of science, business and policy through high-level board meetings, expert sprints, human and AI-assisted desk research, and collaborative editorial sessions. Support the Innovation Council – internationally experienced figures from science, business, and society – with external perspectives and process facilitation to create strategic recommendations. 

Impact

Shaping the strategic direction for regional innovation by aligning leadership, Lower Saxony is positioned to remain resilient and innovation-driven in the long run. This strategic realignment resulted in a highly focused innovation roadmap with six areas of action, combining regional strengths with global opportunities, thus translating complex needs into actionable ideas.