Information and communication technology, innovative and production-related services

The rapid and mobile exchange of information has established itself as a key growth driver with the digitalization of all areas of life. According to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), more than 80 percent of innovations in key German industries are based on developments in information and communication technologies. Alongside this structural transformation, an increasing number of creative service providers are contributing to innovation – from product features to new business models. This combination of creativity and technological advancements is opening up new markets, for example, for new intelligent services.

In terms of industry classification, the specialization field encompasses large parts of the ICT sector as well as individual creative industries.

Although the ICT sector in Thuringia is relatively small, it is experiencing significant growth compared to the national average. ITnet Thüringen eV has established itself as a network that operates throughout Thuringia in cooperation with other clusters and networks.

The scientific expertise for this industry cluster can be found in eight higher education institutions (four universities and four universities of applied sciences) and five research institutions.

Research focuses include digital engineering, digital media technology, analysis, management and simulation of complex systems, mobile communications, precision systems, and technical and biomedical assistance systems. The creative industries are supported, among other things, by two specialized application centers (bauhaus FACTORY and STUDIOPARK Children's Media Center).

The specialization profile of the field with its outstanding competencies is described in the Thuringian innovation strategy as follows:

IT infrastructure and systems
- IT hosting, cloud computing
- System solutions with renewables
- Energies
- Smart Grid, Smart City
- Smart manufacturing, industrial automation, robotics, teleassistance
- Communication technology (optical, radio)
- IT security
Software and production-related services
- eCommerce, digital engineering,
- simulation
- Big data analysis
- eHealth
- App development
- Design and marketing solutions
- System and support software
Digital media / Media for people
- Mixed Reality (MR) or Cross Reality (XR), (3D) audio, multimedia analysis
- Distribution of digital goods
- Adaptive learning media, edutainment
- Support and development of new audiovisual formats

The economy in the specialization field in figures

2.7 Revenue in billion euros

1900 Businesses

20000 Employees subject to social security contributions

Data source: own calculation based on TLS data, as of 2022 (figures rounded)

Based on the specialization profile, four topics currently stand out as having potential in this field:

Learning systems
Augmented and virtual reality – Audiovisual assistance for people
Everyday robotics – relief for people
Digital platforms and services for business and administration

Vision and goals

Shaping the digital economy: The cornerstone of the Bauhaus, the most important design school of modernism – the collaborative work of "artist, engineer, and businessman" – is being adapted for the Thuringian economy and will form the basis of a new era in innovation strategy. The integration of technical solutions and practical application, of product, service, and market, by leveraging the possibilities of networked processes and digital functions, secures our competitiveness and growth prospects.

The following strategic objectives are paramount:

Thuringia's economy relies on the cooperation of creative service providers with other industries for innovation processes.
Thuringia is becoming a pioneer in the redesign of interface designs (human-machine interface) as a combination of IT, communication design and technology.
Thuringia is expanding its leading position in the field of applied acoustics and 3D audio technology.
Thuringia is expanding its leading role in the development of applications for e-commerce and creating new value creation relationships from e-commerce solutions to innovative logistics.

Thuringia is leveraging its technological expertise in audio and media to become a hub for a new avant-garde of media producers and innovative media formats. In doing so, the Free State is expanding its leading position as a center for children's media and solidifying its position as a young, modern media hub.
Thuringia achieves a leading position in the development of techniques and content for educational media.
Thuringia stands for securely hosted applications in the eBusiness sector.
Thuringia sets standards for future media architectures, for the creation, transmission and playback of content.

Partners and stakeholders

Networks

IT network Thuringia
The main objectives of the Thuringian IT Network are the intelligent networking and growth of the IT sector in Thuringia – together with its members and partners. Its areas of responsibility include shaping economic policy, location marketing, and facilitating collaborative work, particularly through networking and cooperation. Currently, the network comprises 43 companies with a total of approximately 1,300 employees.
www.itnet-th.de

Mobile Cluster Central Germany
The Mobile Cluster Central Germany was founded in 2014 with the aim of representing the mobile industry holistically to business, politics, and research. The range of services offered by its member companies extends from pure market overview and strategic consulting to concept and design, all the way to original development and marketing. The cluster currently has eight members whose 150 employees work for renowned clients such as HRS, WirtschaftsWoche, and AVIS.
www.mobileclustermitteldeutschland.de