Within the article, new key findings on the innovation capability of the largest metropolitan areas in Germany are presented. One result is that the innovation capability is relatively heterogeneously distributed among the metropolitan areas. Munich possesses an enormous lead in innovation, and is one of the most innovative regions in Germany. Compared to Munich, the metropolitan areas of Berlin­Brandenburg and Hamburg possess an underdeveloped innovation capability. However, through its capital function, Berlin­Brandenburg, has an excellent potential to catch up. Nevertheless, the metropolitan areas have still a long way ahead to develop their regional innovation profile and to close in the gap with the Munich region.