Around 150 guests from politics, municipalities, business, and academia discussed both traditional funding programs and new cooperation models at the spring reception of the regionen.NRW network, held at the state parliament in Düsseldorf on Tuesday, March 17.
In the opening remarks, President of the State Parliament André Kuper pointed to the acute financial challenges faced by municipalities, noting that around €30 billion is missing nationwide this year. At the same time, he emphasized: “The major transformations of our time are shaped locally – in our cities and regions. As different as they may be, they share the ability to actively shape change and to overcome challenges together. Here, the federal government, the state, municipalities, and the business community share a joint responsibility.”
Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media, and Head of the State Chancellery, also underlined the importance of regions in Europe on behalf of the state government: “In Brussels, too, during the current negotiations on the upcoming EU budget, it must remain clear: Europe’s strength lies in its regions. We must continue to ensure that decision-making on the use of funding remains within the regions.”
Ulla Thönnissen, Managing Director of the Region Aachen Special-Purpose Association, welcomed the participants on behalf of all regions in the network. In a panel discussion, representatives from business as well as from the state, federal, and municipal levels discussed concrete financing approaches. Participants included Vera Bökenbrink, Managing Director of STAHLWILLE, Garrelt Duin, Regional Director of the Ruhr Regional Association, Dr. Raphael L’Hoest from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Christof Sommer, Managing Director of the Association of Cities and Municipalities of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The exchange continued in personal conversations during the subsequent reception.
The 5th Lower Rhine Agricultural Forum at Wunderland Kalkar attracted great interest. North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Agriculture, Silke Gorißen, emphasized the importance of the local agricultural sector for supplying people with food and sees many opportunities for local farmers despite challenging times.
What does the future of agriculture on the Lower Rhine look like between global competition and regional value creation? This question was the focus of the 5th Lower Rhine Agricultural Forum, to which the Economic Development Agency of the Kleve district, together with the Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia, had invited participants to Wunderland Kalkar. The event was financially supported by the cooperative and savings banks in the Kleve district. More than 200 representatives from agriculture, politics, business, and associations came together to discuss current developments and prospects for the sector.
District Administrator Christoph Gerwers opened the event and emphasized the great importance of agriculture for the region: “As the Kleve district, we are proud to be one of the strongest agricultural regions in North Rhine-Westphalia. Our farms not only shape our cultural landscape, but also our identity.” He continued: “Agriculture today is facing major changes. It operates in a field of tension between global markets and regional responsibility. Between increasing demands for sustainability, animal welfare, and climate protection on the one hand—and economic pressure, competitiveness, and international trade agreements on the other.” However, Gerwers also sees an opportunity for local farmers, “because our region, with its innovative strength, expertise, and strong network of agriculture, refinement, processing, and marketing, is excellently positioned to actively shape this transformation.”
An impulse on the current agricultural policy situation was provided by Silke Gorißen, Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. She emphasized the importance of local agriculture: “Hundreds of thousands of jobs in NRW depend on agriculture. Agriculture is systemically relevant; it ensures the supply of food to the population.” According to the minister, agriculture operates in an “enormous area of tension,” as food must be produced at consumer-friendly prices while at the same time complying with strict environmental regulations and meeting increasing demands for animal welfare. In addition, farms must address the challenges of climate change. “The key lies in innovation and knowledge transfer,” said the minister. She sees great potential in integrating AI and robotics into agricultural practice. With regard to the Mercosur free trade agreement, Gorißen stated: “A differentiated perspective is important. The agreement offers great opportunities for Europe and thus also for the agricultural sector in NRW and the export of our products.”
Eric von Berg-Wallner, Head of Foreign Trade at the Lower Rhine Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Duisburg-Wesel-Kleve, has also examined the EU-Mercosur agreement in depth. In his presentation at the Agricultural Forum, he provided an overview of the contents and possible effects of the trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries.
The subsequent panel discussion made it clear that assessments of the agreement vary. Among other things, participants discussed the potential impact of additional imports on European production standards and competitive conditions. Alongside von Berg-Wallner, the panel included Erich Gussen, Hermann Schmitz, Karl Werring, and Martin Wilmsen, farm manager of an arable farm in Kalkar.
In addition to global framework conditions, concrete practical examples were also a focus. In a second session, farmers and industry representatives presented successful projects and innovative approaches that inspire confidence. Participants included Wilhelm Hellmanns, Annika Frank, Andrea Peters, and Simone Schmitz. They demonstrated how farms are responding to current challenges with new marketing channels, specialization, or sustainable production methods.
The event was moderated by Andrea Franken. During the subsequent exchange and over a delicious serving of kale, participants took the opportunity to deepen discussions and establish contacts.
In recent years, the Lower Rhine Agricultural Forum has established itself as an important platform for dialogue and networking between agriculture, politics, and business. The fifth edition once again made it clear: agriculture is undergoing transformation—but the region has many ideas, initiatives, and committed stakeholders to actively shape this change.
Large Fraunhofer survey among employees – Above-average satisfaction in nationwide comparison
South Westphalia is one of the most attractive employer regions in Germany. This is the key finding of a comprehensive study on employer attractiveness. It was conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO on behalf of Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH as part of the project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen” (Employer Forge South Westphalia). The results are intended to benefit participating companies, as well as support regional marketing efforts to further strengthen South Westphalia’s profile.
A total of 2,216 employees from 60 companies across various industries in South Westphalia took part in the online survey. To contextualize the results, Fraunhofer also surveyed an additional 5,149 people nationwide in a representative comparative study. The result is clear: in most of the examined criteria, South Westphalia performs statistically significantly above the German average.
Higher satisfaction, stronger commitment, clear values
Employees in South Westphalia are, on average, more satisfied with their jobs than employees nationwide. Emotional attachment to their companies is also stronger. In addition, employees identify more closely with the goals and values of their employers than those in other parts of Germany.
Particularly noteworthy: employees believe their values and personal skills align very well with their actual roles. This alignment is more pronounced in South Westphalia than the national average—an important factor for motivation, performance, and long-term retention.
Another strong feature of the region is its organizational culture: employees attribute a particularly high level of family orientation to employers in South Westphalia. Furthermore, openness to change and social responsibility play an above-average role for employees.
Opportunities for further development
However, the Fraunhofer study also highlights areas for improvement: training and development opportunities are viewed somewhat more critically in South Westphalia compared to the national average. Expanding professional development and continuing education programs offers concrete opportunities for companies to further enhance their attractiveness as employers.
Solid data foundation – 20 “golden tickets” available for companies
For the first time, the survey provides a scientifically sound and reliable data basis on employer attractiveness in South Westphalia and for the participating companies. Each company received an individual and anonymized evaluation. The results show companies which strengths they can communicate effectively and where there is room for improvement.
Due to the positive response, 20 additional “golden tickets” are now available for companies in the region that would like to use the survey instrument. Interested companies can contact Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH until early May 2026.
South Westphalia sets benchmarks – Participation campaign planned
Under the umbrella of “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen,” the regional marketing team of Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH is now planning further measures to position South Westphalia as a top employer region—including a participation campaign for regional employers. On behalf of the region, the agency implements numerous initiatives to attract skilled workers to the strong economic area of South Westphalia. The positive study results help sharpen the region’s profile. They send a strong signal both internally and externally: South Westphalia is not only industrially and economically strong, but also an attractive place to work with value-driven, family-friendly, and committed companies.
The “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen” aims to strengthen and position South Westphalia as a top employer region. The project is designed as an agile open-innovation initiative and is open to all interested parties. It is implemented by Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH together with six partner institutions: Fachhochschule Südwestfalen, University of Siegen, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, agentur mark GmbH, Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Soest GmbH, and Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein. The project is funded by the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Background: Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH
To strengthen the South Westphalia region through smart ideas, proactive efforts, and coordinated action, Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH was founded in 2008. It is supported by the five districts of South Westphalia—Olpe, Soest, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Hochsauerlandkreis, and Märkischer Kreis—as well as the association “Wirtschaft für Südwestfalen.” The agency pools the strengths of politics and business in the region and acts as a dynamic networking hub both internally and externally.
As a facilitator and driving force, the agency oversees the implementation of several funding programs. Within REGIONALE 2025, numerous partners are working with the agency to develop innovative projects that provide exemplary solutions to the evolving challenges of living, housing, and working in the region—in line with the South Westphalia DNA (digital, sustainable, authentic). REGIONALE 2025 is a structural program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is supported by federal and state urban development funding.
In addition, the agency coordinates the Smart City strategy for South Westphalia in cooperation with municipalities and is advancing the development of a coworking network for digital and decentralized workspaces through the “Hub45” initiative.
At the same time, Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH acts as a positive communication amplifier for the region. Under the regional marketing campaign “Südwestfalen – Alles echt” (“South Westphalia – All real”), it promotes the region’s unique profile nationwide and highlights diverse career and life opportunities for pupils, students, and skilled professionals. To further position South Westphalia as a top employer region, the agency coordinates the collaborative project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen” together with regional partners.
The Executive Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V., at its 133rd board meeting on March 4, 2026, expressed its support for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Rhine-Ruhr region in the years 2036, 2040, or 2044. The association explicitly endorses the “KölnRheinRuhr” bid, which is based on sustainable, compact, and forward-looking Games.
The Rhineland and the Ruhr area already possess a modern and high-performance sports infrastructure with numerous established venues. For the competitions, 100 percent of the facilities are to be either existing or temporary venues. This approach follows a clear sustainability strategy and avoids costly new constructions without long-term prospects.
In addition, hosting the Games offers the opportunity to invest in further infrastructure measures in advance, from which the region will benefit in the long term—particularly in the areas of mobility, urban development, and digitalization. The Olympic and Paralympic Games would therefore not only be an international sporting event but also a sustainable boost for the entire region. Of the total of 17 municipalities designated as host locations in the Rhine-Ruhr region, three are located in the Köln/Bonn region. In addition to Cologne as the leading city, the cities of Leverkusen and Pulheim are also planned as host venues. This would give the Köln/Bonn region a central role within the Rhine-Ruhr Games.
Sebastian Schuster, Chairman of the Executive Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. and District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district, also emphasized the added value of the Games: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a unique opportunity for our region. They strengthen grassroots sport, promote sustainable investment in regional infrastructure, and bring people together who stand for sport, community, and joie de vivre. We want to seize this opportunity—for our cities, our athletes, and the people in our region.”
The people of the Rhine-Ruhr region are passionate about sports, hospitable, and open-minded. The size and quality of the sports venues would make it possible for up to 14 million spectators—more than ever before—to attend Olympic and Paralympic competitions on site, with short travel distances and a compact structure.
The bid process has been developed in close coordination between municipalities, experts, and athletes. In addition, referendums are scheduled for April 19, 2026, in Cologne, Leverkusen, and Pulheim to obtain public approval. The Executive Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. sees the bid as a major opportunity and encourages citizens to vote in favor of the Games in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
In addition to KölnRheinRuhr, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich have also submitted their bids to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) on time.
Region Köln/Bonn e.V.
The Köln/Bonn region faces the challenge of shaping the transformation of space, infrastructure, and the economy in a sustainable way. The energy and resource transition, climate protection and climate adaptation, the mobility transition, digitalization, and more are leading to profound restructuring tasks that must be addressed with forward-looking concepts and projects.
Against this backdrop, Region Köln/Bonn e.V. acts as a developer of concepts and strategies, initiator, moderator, and facilitator of inter-municipal cooperation and projects. It creates the necessary conditions for funding, connects stakeholders, and serves as the voice of the region towards the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government. The association focuses in particular on the fields of spatial development, energy & climate, innovation & economy, and quality of life. Its work across these areas is also supported by COMPASS, the association’s funding management unit.
Region Köln/Bonn e.V. was founded in 1992 and is an association of the independent cities of Cologne, Bonn, and Leverkusen, as well as the districts of Rhein-Sieg, Rhein-Erft, Rhein-Kreis Neuss, Oberbergischer Kreis, and Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. In addition to these eight local authorities, members include the Cologne Chamber of Crafts, the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Kreissparkasse Köln, Sparkasse KölnBonn, Sparkasse Leverkusen, the Rhineland Regional Council (LVR), and the DGB Region Cologne-Bonn. The Cologne District Government as well as the districts of Ahrweiler, Düren, and Euskirchen participate in the association’s decision-making and working bodies as guests.
More information:
www.region-koeln-bonn.de
Press contact:
Region Köln/Bonn e.V.
Rheingasse 11, Cologne
Simon Wahidi
+49 221 925 477-68
wahidi@region-koeln-bonn.de
Smart City Summit Lower Rhine held for the fifth time in Mönchengladbach
“It’s possible,” “Good groundwork, I can build on this,” “I’ll start tomorrow!” – thoughts like these were what visitors of this year’s Smart City Summit Lower Rhine in Mönchengladbach were meant to take away. With this goal in mind, the organizers opened the professional congress on digital urban development in the Lower Rhine on Thursday, which took place for the fifth time this year. The mix of lectures, workshops, networking, and a large exhibition area provided the perfect setting for this.
The fact that the event has established itself as a fixed institution for professionals and companies was evident from the packed rows and the lively activity of nearly 500 visitors in the NEW Box in Nordpark. “Data-driven decisions are the better decisions,” outlined Mönchengladbach’s Mayor Felix Heinrichs, describing the guiding principle of smart cities, in which data is collected, networked, and used for concrete applications. Kira Tillmanns, head of the city’s Smart City program, sees major development in recent years: “We started as a small innovation unit; now it’s about using the Smart City infrastructure and rolling out wide-reaching applications.”
From digital robots to the AI seahorse
The Smart City Summit combines strategic perspectives with illustrative practical examples. On the main stage, lectures covered topics such as digital robots (bots) that fully automate recurring, rule-based administrative tasks. But also addressed were the balancing act between innovation and financial limits, new forms of municipal governance, strategy and security aspects in the use of artificial intelligence, and case studies from the Netherlands. This year, the Netherlands participated as the official partner country, represented at the Summit by digital companies and the Dutch Consulate General.
In the workshop sessions, participants had the opportunity to dive deeper into topics. Questions on LoRaWAN – a wireless standard for sensors – were answered, sensors installed in Nordpark for traffic monitoring at large events were presented, best practices from digital urban development were discussed, and the “AI seahorse” was earned.
35 exhibitors across approximately 5,000 square meters
The heart of the annual “summit meeting” of the smart city world is the roughly 5,000-square-meter expo area. At numerous booths, exhibitors presented their projects and solution approaches for the digital city of tomorrow. Municipal professionals from Nettetal, Aachen, Rhein-Kreis Neuss, and Dormagen also had their own stands. Experts from Hamm, Krefeld, and Nettetal contributed keynote lectures on the main stage. The cross-city exchange, in which municipalities learn from and with each other, jointly develop solutions, or adopt successful approaches from one another, is a core idea behind the federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building’s Smart City funding, in which Mönchengladbach is financially supported as one of 73 model municipalities.
In the expo area, smart urban development is made visible, and exchange around concrete products, ideas, and approaches is enabled. Exhibitors presented, among other things, sensors for measuring visitor frequencies and tracking traffic flows in a data-protection-compliant manner, technology for smart parking management, or drones designed to transport urgent medical samples to laboratories. But it was not just hardware that shaped the picture. Many digital solutions and strategic approaches were also presented. From AI agents to the virtual 3D city model (“digital twin”), which Rhein-Kreis Neuss wants to integrate with the one from the Neuss city administration, to the city app for which Mönchengladbach plans to test a beta version this summer.
The constant hum and buzz in the exhibitor area reflected many lively conversations – and some animal participants. A beehive, for example, can become a measuring station with appropriate sensors to monitor biodiversity and predict heavy rainfall. Virtually represented was Bee Max, who, via a VR application, introduces children playfully to nature and waste separation. Not an animal, but equally endearing, is little Vitus – the chatbot that the city of Mönchengladbach will soon offer on its website. The AI chat application could be tested at the Summit – contributing in its own way to visitors leaving the Summit with new acquaintances, fresh impressions, and interesting information.
About the SmartCity-Summit.Lower Rhine
The first edition of the SmartCity-Summit.Lower Rhine in 2021 marked the start of an innovative series of events intended to put Mönchengladbach on the nationwide Smart City map. The SmartCity-Summit.Lower Rhine is organized by the city of Mönchengladbach with its Smart City program area, the Marketing Gesellschaft Mönchengladbach, the Economic Development department, NEW, and mags.
On January 15, 2026, NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul visited Hochschule Rhein-Waal in Kamp-Lintfort, where he gave a lecture on cybersecurity and cybercrime. In the packed lecture hall, the minister delivered a guest lecture at the invitation of Prof. Dr. Matthias Reintjes, Professor of Public Administration and Digital Transformation, to around 100 students of the Administrative Informatics – E-Government, B.Sc. program, and subsequently answered numerous questions from the students.
In his lecture at the Faculty of Communication and Environment at Hochschule Rhein-Waal, Reul highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity for government action, focusing in particular on the changing conditions for police and law enforcement authorities. The ongoing digitalization of governmental processes, the increasing interconnection of critical infrastructures, and the growing professionalism of cybercriminals present the state with new, complex challenges.
“Digitalization certainly has many positive aspects, but of course it also means that the bad guys and girls are increasingly shifting their criminal activities online. One must, of course, respond to that. That’s why we have police officers on the streets and have also been training cybercops in North Rhine-Westphalia for some time,” said Reul. At the same time, the Interior Minister emphasized that the impacts of digital threats extend far beyond internal security; they also threaten the economy and open society as a whole.
A central concern of the lecture was the necessity of integrating technological, organizational, and legal competencies more closely. Especially at the interface of administration, IT, and law, future professionals bear a special responsibility. The state relies on well-trained specialists, such as the administrative informatics students at Hochschule Rhein-Waal.
Following the lecture, Herbert Reul spent around 45 minutes answering students’ questions and engaging in discussion. In a lively debate, numerous topics were addressed, including the role of the state in defending against hybrid threats, the use of new technologies in policing, questions of data protection, and the balance between security and civil liberties. The intensive Q&A session highlighted the students’ strong interest in security and digital policy issues and provided an opportunity for direct exchange between policymakers and young academics.
The President of the University, Prof. Dr. Oliver Locker-Grütjen, thanked the Interior Minister for the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. The visit made an important contribution to connecting science, practice, and political decision-making. At the same time, an exchange between political decision-makers and students strengthens the societal relevance of higher education.
The Administrative Informatics – E-Government, B.Sc. program is a dual study program in a block model. E-Government involves developing innovative IT solutions for administration and business. In addition to acquiring expertise in information and communication technologies, students also develop social, communication, and organizational skills. They learn the specific requirements of public administration, gain the necessary know-how to find economically viable solutions, and become familiar with the legal framework within which they will work. The interdisciplinary program trains experts who are qualified for almost all sectors. It enables graduates to apply new technologies in municipalities, at state and federal levels, in European institutions, and in the business sector.
Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Hochschule Rhein-Waal was founded in 2009 and stands for an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international education for young people. At its campuses in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, the university offers a total of 25 bachelor’s and eleven master’s degree programs across four faculties – “Technology and Bionics,” “Life Sciences,” “Society and Economics,” and “Communication and Environment.” The courses at Hochschule Rhein-Waal are scientific, application-oriented, and internationally focused. They are characterized by high quality and practical relevance in teaching and research. Approximately 75 percent of the programs are taught in English, and currently nearly 6,250 students from over 120 nations study together in an environment chosen by many specifically for its cultural diversity and internationality. This provides students with intercultural exchange opportunities and optimal preparation for the national and international job market.
Press Contact Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Dr. Petra Radtke
Head of the Presidential Staff Unit
Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Campus Kleve
Marie-Curie-Straße 1
D-47533 Kleve
Tel.: +49 (0) 2821 806 73-326
Email: presse@hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Website: www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de
Deymann Shipping is one of the established players in European inland shipping and is particularly active in the transport of liquid and dry goods on the German and Dutch waterways. As a modern logistics service provider, the company has for years relied on efficient, reliable, and increasingly low-emission transport solutions, thus making an important contribution to reducing road traffic congestion and cutting CO₂ emissions.
Andreas Stolte, Chairman of the EcoPort813 Association based in Wesel, emphasizes the strategic significance of Deymann Shipping’s membership for the association: “With Deymann Shipping, EcoPort813 gains a leading player in European inland shipping. In particular, the company’s long-standing expertise in liquid cargo and container transport perfectly complements the logistical competencies of our members in ports, logistics, and infrastructure, and strengthens the association’s ability to comprehensively develop robust transport solutions for hydrogen and its derivatives,” says Stolte.
Deymann Shipping joined the EcoPort813 Association for Hydrogen & Sustainable Energy at the beginning of the year. With this membership, the traditional family-owned company underscores its commitment to a sustainable transformation of inland shipping and logistics along the waterways.
Against the backdrop of energy and climate policy goals, the use of renewable energies, especially hydrogen and its derivatives, is becoming increasingly important. Deymann Shipping sees inland shipping as a central link for future hydrogen transport chains between ports and industrial or consumption regions along the Rhine corridor.
“With our membership in EcoPort813, we want to bring our practical experience from inland shipping into the network and work together with ports, shipping companies, and other logistics and industrial partners on viable solutions for the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy,” explains the management of Deymann Shipping. “Inland shipping, in particular, offers great potential to transport renewable energy sources safely, efficiently, and in large volumes.”
The goal of the membership is to jointly further develop interfaces between shipping, ports, industry, and the energy sector, and to advance concrete projects for climate-neutral logistics. EcoPort813 provides a platform to pool know-how, initiate pilot projects, and actively support the necessary market ramp-up of hydrogen as a central element of the energy transition.
Founded around two and a half years ago, the EcoPort813 Association brings together well-known international companies, research institutions, and municipalities, offering a wide range of cooperation and project opportunities for building hydrogen value chains—particularly in transport and logistics. The association’s thematic and geographical focus extends over an area ranging from the Dutch seaports through the metropolitan regions along the Rhine and Ruhr to the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The focus here is on building a supply chain for the transport of ammonia/hydrogen from import seaports in the Netherlands/Belgium via the Rhine corridor and its ports as hubs to central consumption centers. This is intended to create a hybrid and flexible supply, particularly for medium-sized industries that cannot be supplied via pipelines.
To initially concentrate H2 activities in the Lower Rhine region, DeltaPort Lower Rhine Ports already joined forces in 2021 with the Port of Rotterdam and other companies and institutions in the region to form the working group “EcoPort813 – H2UB DeltaPort.” With a view to hydrogen and CO2-free energy carriers, the association aims to network its members, initiate and implement joint projects, and promote synergies. The transition away from fossil fuels is not only an ecological but also an economic challenge for all economic regions. Green hydrogen (H2) will play a key role in the energy mix of the future.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The “EcoPort813 – Association for Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy e.V.,” or EcoPort813, promotes cross-sector national and international cooperation in the interest of its members and in the context of sustainable and climate-friendly national development. The association acts as a supporter, driver, and partner of projects to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and to initiate, develop, and implement hydrogen-based projects and collaborations among its member companies.
Contact:
EcoPort813 – Association for Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy e.V.
Moltkestraße 8
D-46483 Wesel
Phone: +49 (281) 300 230 3 – 0
Fax: +49 (281) 300 230 3 – 33
Website: www.ecoport813.de
Email: office@ecoport813.de
Funding for four REGIONALE 2025 projects – funds provided by the State of NRW and the EU from the EFRE/JTF NRW programme
How can a regionally developed AI data platform help companies in South Westphalia become more independent? How can training in metal construction be modernised? Why do we need more circular economy approaches? Four newly awarded REGIONALE 2025 projects from South Westphalia provide answers to these questions. The projects can now be implemented. Funding totalling just over €12 million is available for this purpose from the EFRE/JTF NRW 2021–2027 programme. The funds come from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union.
“Once again, the project leaders have succeeded in addressing smart solutions to challenges faced by companies, but also by municipalities and apprentices. Their projects within REGIONALE 2025 are digital, sustainable and authentic – and so well thought out that additional funding is now flowing to South Westphalia,” emphasised Thomas Grosche, District Administrator of the Hochsauerland district and Chair of the REGIONALE 2025 Committee. In addition to the three-star projects from the fields of mobility, culture and urban development already communicated in December, four further projects were also awarded the third star by the committee. This means that they enjoy backing from the region as well as a clear funding and financing perspective.
Just over €12 million from funds of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the EU are available for projects from the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia” for which the ERDF assessment committee has issued a funding recommendation.
3rd Star: “AKIS – Adaptive AI Infrastructure for Innovation in South Westphalia” (Siegen / South Westphalia)
Artificial intelligence is transforming work, education and innovation in South Westphalia as well. With the project “AKIS – Adaptive AI Infrastructure for Innovation in South Westphalia”, a versatile platform is to be created as part of REGIONALE 2025 that connects research and industry and provides small and medium-sized enterprises with low-threshold access to modern AI technologies. The University of Siegen and numerous companies aim to bring artificial intelligence from theory into practice with “AKIS”. The goal is to establish a flexible and adaptable AI research infrastructure in South Westphalia that goes beyond the offerings of traditional cloud providers or models such as ChatGPT. It is intended to enable research, SMEs and industry alike to use AI independently, securely and sustainably.
Funding: The project “AKIS” is expected to receive €5.8 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
3rd Star: “Meisterstück DIGITAL” (Lippstadt / South Westphalia)
Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences and many partners aim to modernise training in metal construction. Within REGIONALE 2025, they have developed the project “Meisterstück DIGITAL”. The aim is to create a practice-oriented learning and assistance platform from which companies and apprentices alike will benefit, making training more digital, resource-efficient and attractive. The platform will be accessible via PC and app. It will bundle various learning locations such as vocational schools, companies and intercompany training centres and integrate existing technologies such as augmented reality and AI, as well as existing knowledge, into a single application.
Funding: The project “Meisterstück DIGITAL” is expected to receive €1.44 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
3rd Star: “ReCirclE” (Attendorn / South Westphalia)
The project “ReCirclE” aims to establish an open transfer platform for the circular economy in Attendorn. The goal is to help companies develop methods that already take automated disassembly and recycling of materials into account during the design of products or tools and integrate these aspects into production processes from the outset. The project aims to create modular, cost-effective solutions that help companies save resources, reduce CO₂ emissions and open up new business models. The project is to be implemented at the Automotive Center South Westphalia (ACS) – a project of REGIONALE 2013 – by the University of Siegen, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences and ACS.
Funding: The REGIONALE 2025 project “ReCirclE” is expected to receive €3.6 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
3rd Star: “#wieneu Circular Economy Centre” (Arnsberg / South Westphalia)
The City of Arnsberg is establishing a municipal circular economy centre that brings together repair, reuse, exchange and lending systems for household and everyday products under one roof. Less throwing away, more repairing, passing on or refurbishing and reprocessing. The planned centre will offer space for workshops, advisory services and learning formats. These are intended to clearly demonstrate to society and the economy how the circular economy works in everyday life. Many companies from Arnsberg and the surrounding area support the project. They contribute their products, learn together and help further develop the circular economy locally.
Funding: The REGIONALE 2025 project “#wieneu Circular Economy Centre” is expected to receive €1.2 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia via the call “REGIONALE South Westphalia – Projects for a digital, sustainable and authentic future in South Westphalia”.
Link to the project press release
For forward-looking, sustainable and innovative projects in North Rhine-Westphalia, EU funds totalling €1.9 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) are available under the EFRE/JTF NRW 2021–2027 programme. This is supplemented by co-financing from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and project contributions. Projects are supported in the thematic areas of innovation, sustainability, SME support, quality of life, mobility, structural change in coal-phase-out regions, as well as strategic technologies and competitiveness. Further information is available at www.efre.nrw.
52 REGIONALE 2025 projects in South Westphalia already awarded the third star
With these four “new additions”, the number of projects with secured or prospective funding within REGIONALE 2025 rises to 52. “This is already a great success for the region. It means that, on 52 occasions, numerous stakeholders from districts, cities, villages, universities, associations, tourism, culture and business have come together and are jointly working on relevant solutions for the region,” said Dr Stephanie Arens and Hubertus Winterberg of Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH. The agency coordinates and supports REGIONALE 2025 in the region and, together with the project leaders and partners such as the Arnsberg District Government, seeks funding options. To date, around €125 million in funding has been secured for REGIONALE 2025 projects in South Westphalia. The final committee round of REGIONALE 2025 is scheduled for summer 2026.
An overview of all REGIONALE 2025 projects in South Westphalia can be found at www.regionale-suedwestfalen.com.
REGIONALE 2025 is a structural programme of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is supported by urban development funding from the German federal government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Stephan Müller
PR Manager
REGIONALE 2025 / Regional Marketing
Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH
Martinstraße 15
57462 Olpe
Phone: +49 (0)2761 835 11-28
Mobile: +49 (0)151 2772 8001
Fax: +49 (0)2761 83511-29
Email: s.mueller@suedwestfalen.com
Government President Hands Over Funding Notices for “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” – Collaboration Between Universities, Economic Development Agencies, and Südwestfalen Agentur – Launch in January 2026
For the first time, numerous partners from South Westphalia are pooling their efforts to specifically attract and integrate international skilled workers for the region. The project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” aims to establish the necessary structures, test digital approaches, and share knowledge within the region. Small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to benefit in particular. Heinrich Böckelühr, Government President of the Arnsberg administrative district, handed over seven funding notices totaling 3.78 million euros to the project partners around Südwestfalen Agentur. The project can now commence at the beginning of 2026.
“Central to the project is the question of how companies can successfully attract and integrate international skilled and labor forces. Especially in times of significant transformational pressure, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge for businesses. South Westphalia is economically very strong. Many of the numerous medium-sized family businesses often do not have the capacity to strategically address international skilled workers,” emphasized Government President Heinrich Böckelühr. “The regional alliance of universities, economic development agencies, and Südwestfalen Agentur provides a holistic approach. This is important for our state because the work of the ‘NRW Fachkräfteagentur International’ requires strategic contact points in the regions,” added Böckelühr during the handover of the funding notices.
The participating partners include the University of Siegen, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, FernUniversität Hagen, agentur mark GmbH, wfg Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Soest, and Südwestfalen Agentur. Each organization addresses a different aspect. They recognized that while there are isolated initiatives in South Westphalia for integrating and recruiting international skilled workers, there is neither a unified approach nor coordinated exchange of experience. This is where “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” comes in.
Building Networks, Using AI, Creating New Offers & Sharing Knowledge
Marie Ting, Head of Regional Marketing at Südwestfalen Agentur, welcomed the funding for this joint approach. “The cooperative approach in South Westphalia is a real plus for the region.” The agency’s role in the project is to connect regional actors, communicate joint activities, and pass on insights to companies in South Westphalia. “We focus on the needs of businesses and look at where gaps in services exist and how they can be closed,” said Saskia Haardt-Cerff, project manager of the ongoing funding project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen” at Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH. Marie Ting added: “Our goal must be for South Westphalia to be known nationwide as a region that is well-structured in supporting international skilled workers.”
With thousands of international students, the four participating universities possess valuable knowledge about regional needs and challenges. They also create new offerings—partly using artificial intelligence—and consolidate their research findings. Representing South Westphalia, Märkischer Kreis and Kreis Soest serve as experimental areas. There, solutions are tested and examined to determine how local and subregional support systems can function effectively.
South Westphalian Project Partners Already Collaborating
Almost all project partners are experienced in collaboration. In the currently ongoing funding project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen,” they already work together in a coordinated manner. Through practical offerings, small and medium-sized enterprises are supported in positioning themselves as attractive employers. During the project, the potential of international skilled workers became evident.
With its new project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect,” the South Westphalia region is not alone. A similar approach is being pursued in the Cologne/Bonn region. What Cologne tests in the metropolitan area, South Westphalia applies to the rural region. Both regions have agreed to maintain close exchange.
The project “Arbeitgeberschmiede Südwestfalen PLUS – Global Connect” is funded through the call “Regio.NRW – Transformation” with resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Award for Projects from Werl, Schalksmühle, Bad Berleburg, Attendorn, and Warstein – Funding Outlook for Additional Economic Projects to Follow
REGIONALE 2025 is heading into its final year – yet the awarding of projects continues unabated so that as many initiatives as possible can still be implemented and supported. In its most recent meeting, the REGIONALE Committee awarded five additional projects with the third star. A total of 14.7 million euros in funding from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the EU will flow into the region for these projects.
Among the newly awarded projects are a mobility initiative from Werl, a nature project at the Bigge, the transformation of a church into a cultural venue in Schalksmühle, a new neighborhood in Warstein, and an economic project from Bad Berleburg. Together, they represent various facets of the REGIONALE guiding theme of developing the region further in a digital, sustainable, and authentic way—addressing the challenges facing South Westphalia.
3rd Star: “8Giebel” (Schalksmühle / South Westphalia)
Currently, 35 projects are underway in REGIONALE 2025—either already being implemented or about to start. And more will follow. Nature and mobility projects are just as much a part of this as cultural, urban development, and educational projects. The host tours can be organized in the form of walks, bike tours, or similar activities. All hosts receive an attractive starter kit that equips them with suitable materials and tour inspirations to turn their event into a personal highlight. In addition, an exclusive event is planned for them on May 23.
Funding: The project will be supported, among other sources, by urban development funds of the State of NRW until 2028, with a total projected volume of around 9.8 million euros, of which 2.7 million euros have already been provided. An additional 725,000 euros will come from the “Third Places in NRW” funding program.
3rd Star: “waester wohnen warstein” (Warstein / South Westphalia)
With the project “www – waester wohnen warstein,” a forward-looking residential neighborhood is being created in the heart of Warstein’s city center. In addition to barrier-free apartments for different generations, a community area and a “Wästergarten” along the renaturalized Wäster stream will be developed. For this sustainably built neighborhood, the municipality is working closely with a local investor.
Funding: The total cost of the new residential quarter amounts to 5.38 million euros. Around 4.46 million euros come from the private investor and construction company for multi-generational housing, for which additional residential funding is planned in the future. The city contributes 277,000 euros. For the creation of the community center, the open-space design of the Wästergarten, and neighborhood management, approximately 643,000 euros in NRW urban development funding will flow through REGIONALE 2025.
3rd Star: “Sustainable Urban Mobility for the Pilgrimage City of Werl” (Werl / South Westphalia)
First the spa park and sports park, then the pedestrian zone – and soon, mobility. The pilgrimage city of Werl is working to further improve the quality of stay in its city center. The project “Sustainable Urban Mobility for the Pilgrimage City of Werl” was immediately awarded the third star by the responsible REGIONALE 2025 committee. The city plans to introduce a digital traffic guidance system to direct vehicles to available parking spaces. At the same time, the city center will be relieved of traffic and made safer for all road users. The project also serves as an example for the “Vibrant Town Centers” field of action within the South Westphalia mobility strategy.
Funding: The project is expected to receive approximately 1.39 million euros through the “Sustainable Urban Mobility for All” call, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
3rd Star: “COPP – Co-Pilot in Production: Human-Technology Collaboration in Automated Manufacturing” (Bad Berleburg / South Westphalia)
In production companies in South Westphalia, processes are becoming increasingly digital and automated—and thus technically more complex. This poses special challenges for operating personnel, who deal with various data sources and often need an understanding of IT processes. BIKAR METALLE GmbH from Bad Berleburg-Raumland, a specialist in cutting aluminum and non-ferrous metals, together with various partners, aims to develop an AI-based assistance system. It is intended to support employees and help minimize errors, thereby increasing overall competitiveness.
Funding: The project will receive 2.16 million euros through REGIONALE 2025 from ERDF funds and State of NRW funds via the “NEXT.IN.NRW” call.
3rd Star: Experiencing Biggesee in Real and Digital Form (Attendorn / South Westphalia)
With the project “Experience Biggesee Digitally and in Reality,” the Hanseatic city of Attendorn—part of the Sauerland Lakes cooperation—is implementing an initiative that links the region’s tourism, culture, and technology. The goal is to further develop Biggesee as a central living, leisure, and recreational space and to make it newly accessible to residents and visitors. The project consists of two components: a digital experience world using augmented reality to bring the history and nature of Biggesee to life, and a Nordic walking arena developed in collaboration with the German Sport University Cologne and the German Ski Association.
Funding: The project was selected in the State of NRW’s “Erlebnis.NRW” funding call and will receive up to 66,500 euros from the ERDF as well as state funds from the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, the NRW Ministry of the Environment, and the NRW Ministry of Culture.
48 Projects Awarded in Total
Following the most recent meeting, 48 projects can now be implemented—and more are on the way. “Together with the project leads, we have succeeded in securing over 120 million euros in funding for the region—and, most importantly, using it wisely for projects that truly move our region forward,” said Dr. Stephanie Arens and Hubertus Winterberg of Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH, which oversees the REGIONALE 2025 process in South Westphalia.
In addition to the projects mentioned above, the REGIONALE Committee and later the ERDF evaluation committee also discussed further REGIONALE projects—particularly in the fields of higher education and business. These qualify for a special EU-funded program. The review process takes more time, and funding decisions will be made in coordination with the relevant ministries in the coming weeks.
An overview of all REGIONALE 2025 projects can be found at www.regionale-suedwestfalen.com.
REGIONALE 2025 is a structural program of the State of NRW. It is supported by urban development funding from the federal government and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.