Generally, one has to distinguish between research and development projects (R&D projects) and cluster research projects.

Research & Development Projects (R & D Projects)

Research and development projects tackle problems growing from the requirements of the German industrial and business sectors derived from the international development in science and business. Proposals for necessary research and development projects may come from the edacentrum or various companies. The purpose of these projects is to benefit the German national economy and produce quick and effective results. The task of the edacentrum is to consult on the projects and to cooperate with trade associations, such as GI, GMM, and ITG. In semiconductor companies and design houses the results will go straight into chip design and they will also stimulate further independent activities in these research areas.

Cluster research Projects

Cluster research projects in the field of EDA are key to the success and effectiveness of the edacentrum. Cluster research refers to the work of research institutes (some of their research problems are also addressed by the industrial and business sectors). Typical research problems are the development of methods, algorithms, procedures, and testing tools for the solution of problems. Tasks for the industry in this area are to specify further problems, to contribute to research projects and studies, to provide test examples, and to evaluate results. In this process the edacentrum coordinates and accompanies current research projects and also reports on them. This enables research institutes and universities to collaborate with comprehensive research groups and thus to become an important partner for the industrial and business sectors in tackling new problems.

Cooperationen between the projects

The Cooperation of the project partners in the project as well as between the projects is essential to enable a transfer of results and know how and to raise their quality.

The edacentrum enforces these cooperations by organizing:

• annual project meetings
• special workshops
• the "Kooperationsmarkt" which stimulates contact to potential new subcontractors