Federal Minister of Research Anja Karliczek expects “impetus for structural change in eastern Germany.”

And we’re part of it!

Through the “Lausitz – Life and Technology” alliance, a network of top-tier partners from Upper Lusatia has entered the BMBF competition. Led by the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and in collaboration with strategic stakeholders from the Görlitz district, the Fraunhofer Plastics Center Upper Lusatia, ULT AG Kittlitz, and the city of Zittau—and with the involvement of many interested parties—ideas were developed on how we can—the tri-border region—can be made even more attractive, stronger, and more self-reliant.

The process—which included numerous events and, at times, highly contentious discussion rounds—was exciting—and the resulting strategy paper convinced the selection jury.
The stakeholders are not only concerned with technological innovations to strengthen economic power. It is just as important to develop modern educational formats and methods for people of all generations.

Additive manufacturing and flexible energy systems are the areas in which the alliance will invest more heavily in the development of new products and technologies. Novel models of collaboration in the form of shared infrastructure—in which business, research, and education benefit from shared equipment—are being piloted as exemplary projects. Likewise, urgently needed storage solutions for renewable energy are being researched and implemented in regional production facilities—Made in Upper Lusatia.

Spaces are being created

In our region, education always includes language proficiency. Support is provided to non-formal and informal educational institutions that address this need and offer relevant programs starting in early childhood. Always the focus: How can we do even better? Given the current significant shortage of technically trained professionals, tools in the STEM field (STEM = Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics) are being offered, ideally across generations.

Spaces are being created where people can experiment and discover new things. For example, a central “WIRkstätte” is being established in Zittau with the goal of having a broad impact throughout the entire Euroregion.

More than 30 partners from the business sector, civil society, associations, and government agencies have already signaled their willingness to help shape the project.

In the coming weeks, the plans will be finalized—and then things will really get underway! Starting April 1, 2019, 20 East German alliances will drive structural change in their regions through innovative approaches.