Areas of focus
CDFSN has deliberately chosen to focus on a handful of industries and lines of business instead of spreading its investments over many business areas.
Such an intense focus on the use of policy instruments is deeply rooted in economic theory, particularly in the so-called "cluster theory". Both for knowledge-based environments and for lines of business or clusters of industry, it is important to achieve a critical mass in order to be competitive now and in the future. History also shows, however, that business successes can emerge from one good idea outside the heavy R&D environments or business clusters. CDFSN shall therefore also contribute to realise such "odd" initiatives, and the Foundation's board has decided that up to ten per cent of annual funding may be granted to projects outside the adopted areas of focus.
CDFSN has selected its areas of focus on the basis of an evaluation of industries where the region has a certain weight or where a special development potential can be identified.
The central areas of focus are:
- Process industry with a main focus on material technology
- Maritime industries / mechatronics
- ICT / broadband
- Creative industries