Breakthrough Innovation - A Comparative Analysis between Germany and the US

Disruptive innovations can solve major global challenges. However, the system in Germany does not sufficiently favor the development of such innovations. The disruptive output of leading nations like the United States puts increasing pressure on Germany’s innovation leadership. The German innovation agency SPRIND was founded in 2019 and is a suitable instrument to promote disruptive innovations. The SPRIND itself cites the American innovation agency DARPA, which has been promoting disruptive innovations since 1958, a role model. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of DARPA and SPRIND. To answer the research question, secondary sources were used. In addition, two expert interviews were conducted with employees of SPRIND. The result of this paper is a systematic comparison that identifies the key differences and similarities between the two agencies. SPRIND is based on DARPA in key success factors, such as the person-centered approach, funding instruments or risk management. However, compared to DARPA, SPRIND has a major disadvantage; namely several administrative hurdles which inhibit agile action.