Throughout the world, information and communication technologies (ICT) are key drivers of economic growth and employment creation. To further exploit this potential for Germany, the convergence of information and communication technologies is a major focus of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology's technology policy.

The aim is to promote the use and dissemination of modern ICT by supporting research and development projects in the pre-competitive sector in small and medium-sized companies and administrative bodies. These pilot technology applications shall act as a beacon to encourage similar projects.

The Project Management Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is supporting the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology's funding policy in the convergent ICT/multimedia sector, and implementing the technical and organisational elements of the funding plan in accordance with current funding guidelines. Thus the Project Management Agency's role is that of intermediary between the Ministry, as the client, and business and administration, as the customers.

Key responsibilities:

• Preparatory design work including drawing up position papers and preparation of funding 
• Technical and administrative project preparation and support; interim and final assessments, financial controlling and coordination of key focuses
• Assessing applications and ideas
• Assisting the Ministry to develop partnerships between the federal states

The Project Management Agency's staff are vital contact persons regarding project funding, and bear a high degree of responsibility for the funds to be allocated. They ensure the high technical standard and the compliance with the legal framework. This particularly applies to the responsible part of the convergent ICT/multimedia area in which most of the handeled projects are reside.