November 2006 - mid 2008

The conclusions drawn by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) on the "Pilot Scheme Research Marketing South Korea" that it had initiated were more than convincing. From November 2006 to mid 2008 over half the participating German institutes and organisations had at least launched one R&D project together with Korean partners. More than 70% had signed a "Memorandum of Understanding". And 80% and more were able to find new partners in Korea.

The credit for these impressive figures must also and above all go to the BMBF for the support measures it provided. The workshops in the preparatory phase, the specifically targeted fact-finding missions and the delegation that travelled to South Korea laid the foundations for many collaborative projects. Indeed, direct agreements with potential partners are considered to be a key prerequisite for entering into a long-term partnership in Korea.