The new Berlin is developing to become a business location with a future. Since reunification, the economy of both West and East Berlin has had to go through a necessary and painful process of adaptation to the changed conditions. But this has also created new opportunities for Berlin as an economic location.

Transport technology, bio-technology, medical technology, media, information and communications technology and, not least, environmental technology are branches of industry which have a future. Modern communications networks, outstanding education and science facilities and the rich supply of qualified personnel favour the modernisation of Berlin as an economic location.

A wide range of initiatives, programmes and institutions is devoted to promoting business. They focus on the improvement of the economic structure as a whole, the individual promotion of small and medium-size companies and assistance in setting up new industrial companies. The Senate supports technology and new business centres which concentrate on a specialised branch (1999). Special emphasis is placed on support for branches with great potential for the future. The innovation fund of the federal state of Berlin mainly provides venture capital to encourage the foundation of new technological companies and to support existing small and medium-sized companies in their innovative services. The primary goal is to link the innovative branches of trade and industry with the research and development centres in the economic location of Berlin.