Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

For an export-oriented national economy (as is the case with the Federal Republic of Germany), a highly developed metrological infrastructure and availability of metrological know-how on the highest level to support the development of new technologies are indispensable prerequisites.

Since its foundation in 1887, for the benefit of German industry, the PTB has not only realized the base units through basic metrological research but also provided the bases for accurate and reliable measurements and tests in industry and trade by developing standards, standard measuring devices and wellproven measurement methods.

It has always aimed at translating the resources (money) placed at its disposal by the state or other parties into metrological knowhow (knowledge) and at making this knowhow available to economy. The application of measuring techniques meeting all international demands is a decisive prerequisite for reliable quality systems in economy. In this respect, it is indispensable to trace all measurement results back to the SI.

The dissemination of the units is – due to the accreditations of the German Calibration Service (DKD; since January 1, 2010 part of the DAkkS) – being shifted largely to the level of industrial metrology. The accredited calibration laboratories are competently monitored by the accreditation body and represented in national and international bodies and committees.

To interlock science and economy more closely is a political demand which is taken seriously by the PTB. For all research and development results obtained, the PTB checks whether these can also be used as trademark rights, patents/registered designs or through know-how-agreements for marketing innovations.

An important role in the know-how transfer from the PTB to the German economy is taken on by seminars and symposia whose subject is the scientific-technical development in important fields of activity of the PTB. PTB's Forum for Small and Medium-sized Businesses ("Mittelstandsforum") is directed particularly to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). It presents an Internet platform which shows the range of services offered by the PTB, including the patent database, in a clear form, and which also offers navigational aid particularly to customers not familiar with the structure of the PTB, to enable them to find the correct information and contacts.