We want to give an overview of the German project cluster FAST aiming at a technological and economic breakthrough by means of real-time ability. FAST consist of around 80 partners, more than 19 projects and is scheduled from 2014 to 2020. The focus of this paper is put on visions for future research and applications for 2020 and beyond. Moreover, we present an example of a first achievement. A chip for the real-time synchronisation of devices via Ethernet was designed. Implemented in 180 nm CMOS technology, the circuit provides a synchronisation accuracy of 1 ns and consumes a dc power of only 80 mW. To our knowledge, this circuit provides the best synchronisation accuracy at the lowest power consumption reported to date.