OECD calls for "thinking big" in Hamburg region

“The OECD attests that the Hamburg Metropolitan Region has the potential to become a world market leader in renewable energies,” said Andreas Rieckhof, State Councillor at the Ministry of Economics, Transport and Innovation and Chairman of the Regional Council. “The sponsors of the metropolitan region have agreed to develop a strategy derived from the North German Hydrogen Strategy in renewable energies and hydrogen to boost progress and innovative technologies and to make an active contribution to the fight against climate change.” Cross-border co-operation in economic clusters such as Hamburg Aviation and the renewable energies is excellent, according to OECD.

The OECD has made six recommendations for tapping productivity and competitiveness, accelerating growth and improving the quality of life of people across the region. Above all, it recommends thinking ambitiously and across borders and pooling strengths and financial resources in four countries. “This favourable strategic location on the transport and trade corridor connects Germany with Denmark, Sweden and Norway.” The OECD has called for action in terms of innovation, education and skilled workers, digitisation, housing and transport planning, renewable energies as well marketing culture and tourism.

The OECD plays a key role in raising investment in education and skilled labour to stimulate economic development. More research and development is needed to strengthen the links between science and industry, it noted. The Hamburg Metropolitan Region is home to numerous leading research institutes such as the European XFEL, and has a dynamic start-up scene, the study found. An overview of Hamburg’s start-up scene can be found on future.hamburg. 

Recommendations on digitisation range from further training for employees, promoting SMEs to digitally supported public services. Cross-border, integrated housing and transport planning could meet the requirements of those markets better in future. The quality of life in the region is relatively high and better than in other OECD regions. Marketing strategies for the region should focus on the diversity of urban and rural areas. A joint strategy could link up tourism and sustainable mobility planning.
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