- Identifying and promoting pioneering technologies that make it possible for society to participate in the dynamics of globalization and the structural changes associated with it. These are first and foremost technologies that create new jobs in new sectors.
- Identifying and promoting pioneering technologies that can be expected to result in competitive advantages for Germany and increase its appeal as a location for business and industry - innovative and intelligence and knowledge-intensive technologies based on Germany's strengths in education.
- Identifying and promoting pioneering technologies that help maintain the health of citizens in terms of prevention, diagnosis and treatments.