Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) is delighted to continue and intensify its collaboration with the district of Görlitz. On January 12, 2026, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, and Dr. Stephan Meyer, District Administrator of the district of Görlitz, signed a new cooperation agreement at the HSZG in Zittau with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in business, science, education and culture.

The cooperation between the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the district of Görlitz is intended to expand and promote joint activities in the areas of education, public relations, science, research and business. In particular, this includes the support and further development of key projects such as DC-Campus, ZukLOS, CircEcon and NetZeroValley, which combine research, innovation, economic development and extracurricular education. Also on the agenda: the further development of the district of Görlitz and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences as partners of the semiconductor industry as well as the promotion of activities for sustainable regional development - especially in the areas of environmental education, nature conservation and urban development. A further component is mutual support and involvement in public relations and marketing. The areas of culture and International Affairs are also to be further expanded on both sides, including through the promotion of welcome structures such as the implementation of welcome centers and intercultural events for international students and (inter)national visitors to the district and the university. Both partners also support each other in the area of infrastructure and infrastructure planning.

The preamble to the cooperation agreement states: "The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the district of Görlitz see it as their responsibility to create a future-oriented university, research and business location in the middle of a liveable, sustainable and internationally networked Lausitz. Against the backdrop of the social, ecological and economic transformation of the region, both partners are making an active contribution to structural development. To this end, they have agreed on a long-term strategic cooperation based on mutual trust and aimed at strengthening the region's innovative power, increasing its international visibility and sustainably securing the quality of life in the region through joint initiatives and coordinated strategies."

The cooperation makes a valuable contribution to the location development of both the HSZG and the district of Görlitz, to attracting future students and national and international guests and to providing information about culture, education, science and business in the district of Görlitz. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the district of Görlitz will work even more closely together in the area of knowledge, technology and innovation transfer and regional development when the cooperation agreement comes into force on January 12. This includes cooperation with companies, educational institutions, business development, district development, public administrations and regional and supra-regional associations.

Text: Frank Leberecht, HSZG ; Photos: Lucas Wenzel, HSZG