In the competition for the best talent and research-intensive companies, a recognizable profile as a knowledge region is a key location factor.
In order to make optimum use of the potential in the state capital Düsseldorf and the region, Heinrich Heine University (HHU) initiated a process at the beginning of this year with the kick-off conference Wissensregion Düsseldorf, which aims to establish permanent networking and cooperation between all those involved in knowledge topics. On November 17, representatives from science, business, politics and culture in the region signed the founding resolution of the Association for the Promotion of the Knowledge Region e.V. in the university building. Anja Steinbeck (Rector of Heinrich Heine University) was elected Chairwoman of the association, Brigitte Grass (President of Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences) as her deputy. Political scientist Ulrich von Alemann was entrusted with the management of the association. The association is to contribute to the visibility of the knowledge region through projects such as innovative training formats for the working world of tomorrow and through joint representation of interests. CEO Prof. Dr. Anja Steinbeck: “The association is committed to making Düsseldorf and the region even more attractive as an educational location for young people and even more visible as a place for excellent science. I am delighted that our initiative, which was launched with the kick-off conference in February of this year, is now taking a big step forward.”

Board member Gregor Berghausen, Managing Director of the Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce, adds: “The Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce was one of the early supporters of Wissensregion Düsseldorf. What we need now are a few lighthouse projects through which the knowledge region can take shape. For me, the first priority is clearly closer cooperation between companies and universities when it comes to securing skilled workers and technology transfer.” An initial central project is already planned: Wissensregion Düsseldorf wants to offer innovative training formats in order to attract the best minds to the region in this way. The “Innovation Semester” project will bring together participants from different education and training courses – young people from dual vocational training in companies, administration and the skilled trades as well as colleges and universities. The aim of the innovation semester is to bridge any gaps between dual vocational training and academic education and to train the skills required for the professional world. After all, the future belongs to comprehensive training that combines theory and practice, rather than ever greater specialization. In order to become fit for lifelong learning, it is increasingly important to practice new methods and new forms of learning based on key qualifications. The founding members are (in alphabetical order):
Düsseldorf Marketing GmbH (represented by Frank Schrader) Fliedner Fachhochschule Düsseldorf (represented by Prof. Fabian Hofmann) Gesellschaft von Freunden und Förderern der HHU Düsseldorf (represented by Eduard H. Dörrenberg) Handwerkskammer Düsseldorf (represented by Andreas Ehlert) Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf (represented by Prof. Anja Steinbeck) Hochschule Düsseldorf (represented by Prof. Horst Peters) Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce (represented by Gregor Berghausen) City of Düsseldorf (represented by Burkhard Hintzsche) Max Planck Institute for Iron Research (represented by Prof. Gerhard Dehm) Meyer Architekten GmbH (represented by Jan Meyer) Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf (Prof. Raimund Wippermann) van Meeteren Foundation (represented by Hans-Heinrich Grosse-Brockhoff)
Important institutions such as the Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Künste (Academy of Sciences and Arts) and the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf Student Union) have given their binding commitment to join; talks are being held with other interested parties. Text by Carolin Grape.