Munich`s strength lies in its balanced mixture of knowledge-based and creative industries and the great potential of its highly skilled and well-educated workforce. Manufacturing and service industries, as well as research institutes are all close by, creating a unique environment that benefits all business sectors and promotes a high level of economic prosperity. Knowledge-based clusters in Munich – information and communication technology, life sciences, financial services, aerospace technology, nanotechnology and automotive engineering – can all be relied upon to provide innovative ideas. Further advantages are the top-quality functional networks, an excellent infrastructure and the wide range of local access to capital and services. The headquarters of seven of the DAX 30 companies are in Munich.