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The socio-economic significance of BESSY

Electron strorage ring BESSY II (HZB/S. Steinbach)

Science photographer Silvia Steinbach has illuminated and photographed the electron storage system of BESSY II using colour.

First confirmed figures on the impact of BESSY on the economy, research and society

An impact analysis by DIW Econ demonstrates the scientific and economic value of BESSY II. Every euro invested yields a return of three euros for Germany, and as much as ten euros for the State of Berlin. Furthermore, the study provides an economic forecast for the construction of BESSY III.

On 3 September 2026, the impact analysis was presented to Dr Henry Marx, State Secretary for Science and Research in the Berlin Senate.

Experts from the consultancy subsidiary of the German Institute for Economic Research Berlin (DIW Econ GmbH) examined the socio-economic significance of BESSY over a representative period from 2010 to 2022. The study considers economic effects such as gross value added, employment and public revenue in Germany and Berlin (demand-side effects). The generation of new scientific findings, the development of skilled workers and spillover effects in businesses are also taken into account (supply-side effects). Case studies of companies that have benefited significantly from BESSY II, either as suppliers or users, were also analysed.

Cover long version impact study

DIW Econ GmbH has produced a summary of the impact study (23 pages) [Available in German: Kurzfassung der Impakt Studie] In it, readers will find the following content:

  • Economic effects of BESSY II,
  • Significance for the research landscape,
  • Impact on society (case studies) and
  • BESSY III: Outlook and forecast.

The full version of the impact analysis comprises 102 pages and can be found here.

 

 

 

 

 

Impact analysis

The official handover of the impact analysis took place on 3 September 2026 in the BESSY II electron storage ring. From left to right: B. Rech (Scientific Director, HZB), S. Vormfelde (Commercial Director, HZB), H. Marx (State Secretary for Science and Research), R. van der Veen (Scientific Project Manager for BESSY III), L. Handrich (Managing Director, DIW Econ) and A. Vollmer (BESSY II Spokesperson). © HZB / M. Setzpfandt

Handover of the Impakt study to State Secretary Henry Marx

Dr Henry Marx, State Secretary for Science and Research of the Berlin Senate, was invited to Berlin-Adlershof for this special occasion. The impact analysis was presented to him in the tunnel of the BESSY II electron storage ring.

Among those present were HZB’s Managing Directors Saskia Vormfelde and Bernd Rech, BESSY II Spokesperson Antje Vollmer, Scientific Project Manager Renske M. van der Veen and Lars Handrich, Managing Director of DIW Econ.

 >Press release, 3 September 2026