The core industries that play an important role in Saxony as a state of science include the automotive and supplier industry, microelectronics and information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, energy and environmental technology and materials science. Each of these sectors benefits from the strong research and innovation landscape in Saxony and makes a significant contribution to economic development and international competitiveness. I am excited by this breadth of topics and I am proud to be a part of it with my colleagues.