Industry—state—university research collaboration: The west german fraunhofer gesellschaft model

The West German Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (FhG) is described as a model of a successful industry—state—university research and development institute system. With over 30 separate institutes, its purpose is the advancement of applied research, with a primary mission to work in areas of manufacturing and productivity. All aspects of the FhG and its institutes are discussed: Mission, operation, organization, new institute startup, budgeting, and diversity.