ABSTRACT
The German Government has sponsored building research since 1919, making it a fundamental national characteristic. In 1969, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Bauforschung brought together for the first time all major research institutes in the country to discuss and coordinate the funding and evaluation of research efforts. Baden-Wurttemberg allocates almost 5 per cent of its gross national product (GNP) to research, mainly on technology development programmes, including solar and other renewable energy. State Government has the highest investment in research and development (R&D) in Germany, as a percentage of total expenditure. The aim is to support existing industrial research institutes, to guarantee a well-functioning technology transfer system in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to guarantee economic revenues for the region. In addition to research on buildings, and their materials and construction, the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) has sponsored research on how the effects of climate change can be accommodated through urban design measures.
