Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg: Innovative strength despite the decline in patents!

Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg: Innovative strength despite the decline in patents!

Tuttlingen, Deutschland - The Black Forest-Baar-Heuberg region has established itself as a true patent power plant! According to the latest patent atlas Baden-Württemberg 2024, the region has a proud 3.1 percent of all patent applications in the country. Despite a slight decline compared to previous years, the innovative strength remains unbroken, especially in the key industry of medical technology, mechanical engineering, optics and measurement technology, as reported by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg.

"Our region of the Black Forest Baar-Heuberg shines primarily thanks to its strong medical technology," emphasizes Daniela Jardot, the consultant for innovation and technology at the IHK. While medical technology in the overall statistics of Baden-Württemberg only ranks tenth, it takes up the top position in Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg! Over 150 patent applications come from this area, which makes the region a world center of medical technology, especially in and around Tuttlingen.

innovation dynamics despite challenges

In 2022, 150 patent applications were reported per 100,000 employees from the region, a total of 402. It is particularly noteworthy that the innovation dynamics even increased during corona pandemic, while other regions recorded declines. Black Forest Baar-Heuberg remains a shining example of economic resilience!

Compared to other Baden-Württemberg regions, such as Stuttgart and Lake Constance Oberschwaben, which are dominated by large applicants, Black Forest-Baar-Heuberg continues to position itself well. The districts of Schwarzwald-Baar, Rottweil and Tuttlingen are below the national average of 200 patents per 100,000 employed people, but still show fourth place in comparison. The high industrial density, a mix of traditional family businesses and modern high-tech companies, ensures a central competitive advantage. "Now it is important to continue consolidating this technological lead and investing in future -oriented technologies," says Jardot.