Research in the new states focuses especially on new materials, information technologies, microelectronics, biotechnology, environmental research, the geo-sciences and health research. In many locales, non-university research institutions collaborate with research departments of firms and with higher education institutions. The research sector in the new states has been integrated into numerous European and international programs, cooperation relationships and joint projects.

Nonetheless, the Federal Government realizes that further efforts are necessary in order to unify the German research sector. It has, for instance, financed innovative inter-university and interdepartmental research projects which also bring in external specialists, some from industry.