Interview with Dr. Norbert Reichelt

CDG: Why is basic research so important for innovation?
Reichelt: Innovation comes about from the combination of knowledge from various branches of science and the private sector.  Although basic research is costly and time-consuming, it paves the way for new knowledge that can one day be applied in the private sector.

CDG: What are the biggest challenges in collaborating with universities?
Reichelt: For the collaboration to work well, all partners should agree on the problem to be addressed, the state-of-the-art and the necessary approaches.  Agreement of this kind needs time and a continuity of collaboration.

CDG: What do you like most about the CD Laboratory funding scheme?
Reichelt: The CD Laboratory funding scheme tackles precisely these challenges.  The seven-year duration of the laboratories provides the framework for a successful collaboration with basic research that benefits the universities and the industry.