District of Görlitz and HSZG intensify cooperation
A new cooperation agreement further expands the successful partnership.
The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) is pleased to continue and strengthen its collaboration with the Görlitz district. 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 Görlitz District, signed a new cooperation agreement at the HSZG in Zittau, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in business, science, education, and culture.
The collaboration between Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the Görlitz district is intended to expand and promote joint activities in the areas of education, public relations, science, research, and business. In particular, this includes supporting and further developing key projects such as DC-Campus, ZukLOS, CircEcon, and NetZeroValley, which combine research, innovation, economic development, and extracurricular education. Also on the agenda are the continued development of the Görlitz District and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences as partners to the semiconductor industry, as well as the promotion of activities for sustainable regional development—specifically in the areas of environmental education, nature conservation, and urban development. Another component is mutual support and collaboration 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 welcoming structures such as the operation 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 areas of infrastructure and infrastructure planning.
Long-term strategic cooperation
The preamble to the cooperation agreement states: “Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the Görlitz District recognize their responsibility to shape a forward-looking hub for higher education, research, and business in the heart of a livable, sustainable, and internationally connected Lausitz. Against the backdrop of the region’s social, ecological, and economic transformation, both partners are making an active contribution to structural development. To this end, they agree to a long-term strategic partnership based on mutual trust and aimed at strengthening the region’s innovative capacity, increasing its international visibility, and sustainably ensuring the quality of life in the region through joint initiatives and coordinated strategies.”
Valuable contribution to location development
This partnership makes a valuable contribution to the regional development of both the HSZG and the Görlitz district, to attracting future students and national and international visitors, and to providing information about culture, education, science, and business in the Görlitz district. With the cooperation agreement taking effect on January 12, Zittau/Görlitz University and the Görlitz district will work even more closely together in the areas of knowledge, technology, and innovation transfer, as well as regional development. This includes cooperation with businesses, educational institutions, economic development agencies, district development organizations, public administrations, and regional and supraregional associations.
"We reaffirm our joint responsibility for the district of Görlitz"
By renewing the cooperation agreement, we are reaffirming our shared responsibility for the Görlitz district. Through close collaboration, we can contribute our expertise in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer in a targeted manner and shape sustainable prospects for education, innovation, and securing a skilled workforce in Upper Lusatia.
”In the coming months, there are plans to further expand, in particular, practical formats that were described in this needs assessment as especially effective and quick to implement—such as regular exchange programs, internships and part-time student jobs, project and final dissertations, as well as workshops and guest lectures. At the same time, strategic initiatives requiring a higher level of coordination will be further developed in order to provide additional impetus for the region in the medium and long term.
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Text: Frank Leberecht, HSZG ; Photos: Lucas Wenzel, HSZG
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