When the numbers for Thuringia are assessed in this framework, one of the ‘plus factors’ of the state really comes to the fore: the large pool of highly educated and motivated workforce in the region. With reference to the total number of graduates in Thuringia, approximately 36 percent of them have majored in a MINT subject. Our exceptional universities, with their focus on technical and scientific subjects and being regularly put on first places in university rankings, can take a good deal of the credit, too. (maa)