Microsystems engineering in Berlin – a success story

Today trendsetting, competitive products are virtually inconceivable without microsystems engineering – and Berlin is ideally equipped for this trend, adopting as it does a top position in a nationwide comparison of locations for this technology. Looking back on a tradition of outstanding technological achievements the research infrastructure in Berlin has afforded a double contribution. On the one hand both public and private research institutes have initiated a great many corporate setups since 1990: Alone the Adlershof technology park is home to 410 technology companies with just under five thousand personnel.

On the other, Microsystems engineering as a cross section technology needs a broad based research landscape. When product ideas are put into practice consistent component and system integration technologies are the key to success. And this expansive research landscape will continue to gain in importance in future: The direct collaboration between microsystem engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs in each field of application will prove decisive for the success of development.

From now on collaboration will be the hallmark of development projects. On this point Berlin has access to an abundance of strengths. Berlin is a leader on the medicinal research sectors in Germany. In security engineering a powerful network has just been formed under the supervision of the government printing office. And the traditional Berlin sectors too are experiencing a rejuvenation.

Microsystem technology is to develop pioneering solutions for preventive maintenance in industrial engineering. Thanks to young, unconventional ideas the Berlin fashion sector is presently booming to an extent that nobody was expecting. One of these ideas is the integration of microsystem technology in clothing. This is no longer just a fashion gag: this technology has long been on its way into functional wear. Creative minds are Berlin’s potential. With these minds Berlin is equipped to master the future challenges of Microsystems engineering.

Prof. Dr. Herbert Reichl
Fraunhofer-Institut für Zuverlässigkeit und Mikrointegration