German Federation of Industrial Cooperative Research Associations "Otto von Guericke" (AiF)

The central concern of this registered non-profit association is the promotion of applied R&D for the benefit of SMEs. Organised by industry, the AiF supports the efficient usage and advancement of R&D-programmes in order to increase the competitive strength of SMEs. The AiF has created a unique infrastructure, comprising an industry-based innovations network covering 100 industrial research associations, with approx. 50,000 SME, and about 700 associated research institutions. AiF lays the foundations for industrial collective research for the benefit of entire industrial sectors. The association also acts as a programme administering agency for governmental R&D support measures for the benefit of individual companies and universities of applied sciences.