The Bertelsmann Foundation wants to take up societal problems, develop model solutions with scientific experts and practitioners alike and implement these models in selected areas of society. The Bertelsmann Foundation defines itself as an operating foundation working conceptually. It formulates and initiates its own projects, managing them all the way to their practical implementation. In doing so, the Bertelsmann Foundation cooperates closely with competent partners in scientific, state and private institutions. Both social policy and corporate policy considerations played an equal part in the decision to establish the Bertelsmann Foundation in 1977.