OstWestfalenLippe (OWL) is geographically identical to the northeastern administrative district of Detmold in North Rhine-Westphalia. More than two million people live in the six districts of Gütersloh, Herford, Höxter, Lippe, Minden-Lübbecke, and Paderborn, as well as in the independent city of Bielefeld.

The economic and cultural region surrounding the major cities of Bielefeld and Paderborn is characterized by a strong economy and a highly attractive cultural landscape. A well-balanced industry mix includes mechanical engineering, the furniture industry, metal processing and electrical engineering, the food industry, the textile and clothing industry, the healthcare sector, and the plastics processing industry. More than one million people are employed in approximately 150,000 companies. Well-established companies such as Bertelsmann, Dr. Oetker, Melitta, Miele, Claas, Schüco, Gerry Weber, and Wincor Nixdorf are rooted here.

Universities and universities of applied sciences provide important impetus for research and development in the region. Around 65,000 students from a wide range of disciplines are enrolled at 13 higher education institutions in OWL.

Numerous companies in the region have joined together in industry initiatives. Through the technology network it’s OWL – Intelligent Technical Systems OstWestfalenLippe, a cluster recognized by the German federal government, the region has established itself as a nationwide leader in implementing Industry 4.0 and has outstanding expertise in the field of intelligent technical systems.

Nestled around the Teutoburg Forest, OstWestfalenLippe also presents itself as an attractive destination for tourism and leisure. Known as “Germany’s healing garden,” it’s the ideal place for health, relaxation, and well-being.

OstWestfalenLippe GmbH is the regional development and marketing organization for OWL and one of the pioneers of regional promotion initiatives. As a joint effort by the districts and the independent city of Bielefeld, along with businesses and academic institutions in OWL, the company has been working for over 20 years to secure the region’s competitiveness in the global marketplace and to contribute to the future of its economic and cultural landscape. The OWL GmbH’s wide range of responsibilities includes regional marketing, regional development, the OWL cultural office, Teutoburg Forest tourism, the OWL regional agency, and the Competence Center for Women and Work in OWL.

In OWL, business and science join forces with politics and public administration — with the goal of achieving more together. In line with the region’s motto: “One region. One word.”