Forward-looking Süderelbe region gaining momentum

Almost 800,000 people live in the 4,000 square kilometre Süderelbe region. The districts in Lower Saxony are in heart of the metropolitan region and literally on Hamburg’s doorstep. The scheme aims to boost innovation and competitiveness, create new technology centres, open workshops, co-working spaces and facilities for start-ups. "We want to create places where clever ideas can be turned into new products, production methods and business models," said Freda Sudhoff, Project Manager.

The idea is to stimulate talks and interaction between companies, start-ups, founders, universities, research institutes, students and school pupils in various labs. The plans include lead projects on e.g., 3D printing, sustainable building materials, 5G mobile technology and hydrogen. Special emphasis is on digitalisation, tackling climate change and promoting sustainable businesses.

A decision on when the first labs will open will be reached in 2025. Meanwhile, the team behind the Süderelbe region of the future is going all out to get the first two applications for projects off the ground pending the approval of the steering group. This group consists of 21 representatives of districts, universities, employers' associations, trade unions and local Chambers of Commerce. The EU and the state of Lower Saxony have earmarked EUR 6 million in funds for the Süderelbe. Sponsors of the project will contribute the remaining EUR 4 million.

Fourteen such regions between the North Sea and the Harz Mountains are preparing the launch. A wide range of projects from the circular economy and healthcare to culture and leisure will addresses the different challenges in Lower Saxony. Karin Beckmann, Regional Development Officer in Lüneburg, has welcomed the approach: "The Zukunftsregion Süderelbe has chosen a timely topic - regional innovation capacity.  Digitalisation, energy transition and demographic change pose major challenges for companies." Ideas for even more innovative concepts are always welcome.

The projects in the “Zukunftsregion Süderelbe” should pay off in terms of new technologies, solutions to the climate crisis, and more talented young professionals in science and technology. This holds opportunities for the entire metropolitan region, said Sudhoff, adding: "We are closely networked so there will be automatic synergies. And employment rises when new companies settle in Stade, Luneburg or Buchholz. That benefits the entire metropolitan region."
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