When it comes to tapping international knowledge potential, cooperation with research institutions, companies and associations at European level is a valuable resource. In addition, for a better networking and the generation of new project ideas, the broadening of professional and cultural horizons is of great importance. STFI has been involved in the Europe-wide research network and in regional and strategic developments for more than 20 years. Realising interdisciplinary cooperation across countries is the concern of the institute's international activities.

The International Cooperation/Transfer Department is the contact point for all European project activities at the institute.  In addition to the acquisition and application of projects in European research programmes, the tasks also include technical and administrative project management as well as the transfer of knowledge and results. The staff’s experience from coordinating and managing research projects at national level also flows into this.

Patents and other forms of commercial IP protection are used by the STFI to protect the relevant research results and to market them with interested partners.