At the top in the True North

WTSH-Online editorial team: You currently have a campaign for skilled and prospective workers entitled ‘Caribbean-upon-Denmark’. With it, you convey the special attributes of the Schleswig-Holstein economic region in a humorous way. What are those attributes? And, in your personal opinion, what is it like for you to live and work in this border region? 

Michael Otten: Living and working in our region by the border can be called extraordinary in a lot of ways. The geographical proximity to Denmark and the associated cultural diversity are an enrichment for day-to-day life. Many people are bilingual and influenced by different traditions and perspectives, which have a significant role in the way we live together and work together across the border. The population is characterised by an open nature which has a positive impact on quality of life and our coexistence. It is a mentality that carries over to the working world and, often, to a Scandinavian leadership style marked by flat hierarchies as well as casual and responsible interaction with each other. Moreover, there is vibrant exchange in the economic, cultural and education policy domains. It promotes not only the region’s development, but also a climate that fosters innovation and cooperation. The closeness to the sea, the pleasant climate and the varied leisure options in nature and at sea make a considerable contribution to the quality of life here. Overall, life in the region is seen as highly enriching thanks to the combination of the two countries’ advantages. In all areas of life, be they in business, the everyday or leisure time, there exists a possibility to experience the best of both cultures and benefit from them. 

WTSH-Online editorial team: The key word, innovation, is reflected most of all in the digital economy, mechanical engineering, electrical technology and food, which are all core industries. Let’s take a look at the dynamism in the digital and creative sector. What is happening in this area and who are the people particularly active in it?

Michael Otten: The digital and creative sector in the Flensburg/Schleswig region is a growth industry which is impressively dynamic. A lot has been happening in this sector, especially in recent years. Our region has a vibrant start-up scene which profits strongly from the connections between businesses, universities and ‘lisezwei’, Flensburg’s strongly grown technology centre. In the digital economy in particular, there are new ideas and business models being developed constantly. Another plus is the VentureWærft cross-border start-up network, which offers valuable support to young start-up owners throughout the region. In addition, the close integration with the Germany-wide GATEWAY49 start-up accelerator has resulted in further professionalisation and improved offerings for our start-ups. Our universities offer courses of study in fields such as media IT, applied IT and business IT. The close connections between academia and business ensure that highly qualified professionals remain in the region and make innovative projects a reality here. Many traditional industries are increasingly adopting digital solutions to optimise their processes and stay competitive, and the region offers an ideal platform for this. Companies can work on digital transformation in an innovative environment, whether it is with software development, automation solutions or applications of AI. The creative economy, including the design, film, advertising and digital media segments, is developing an increasingly important role. Altogether, the region’s digital and creative economy is growing rapidly. It offers enormous potential for established companies as well as start-ups and investors that want to profit from the constantly evolving possibilities in this dynamic environment.

WTSH-Online editorial team: Flensburg in particular has developed into an e-commerce hotspot in recent years. Why? And what opportunities does that offer?

Michael Otten: Flensburg has established itself as an e-commerce hotspot most of all because of its strategically advantageous location by the German–Danish border, which enables businesses to access German and Scandinavian markets easily. The e-commerce industry is growing all across Germany, and regional companies have profited from this, too. There are highly skilled IT graduates here who are bringing their e-commerce ideas to fruition or supporting established enterprises, and the industry’s strong growth can be expected to continue.

WTSH-Online editorial team: Flensburg these days is an important university location with more than 9,500 students. How do the academic and business worlds cooperate with each other? 

Michael Otten: Academia and business cooperate in extremely dynamic and diverse ways in Flensburg, which is reflected in numerous successful projects and initiatives. The two universities – Europa-Universität Flensburg and Flensburg University of Applied Sciences – have a key role in the region’s innovation landscape through their training of highly qualified skilled workers as well as their active cooperation with the private sector. Academics and businesses work jointly on the development of new and sustainable renewable energy technologies, especially for wind and solar energy. Thanks to the close cooperation, innovative technologies are put into practice directly and, in doing so, contribute directly to the regional economy’s competitiveness. The cooperation between academia and business in Flensburg, generally, is not only an engine for technological progress, but also the key to creating an innovative and sustainable location for doing business. The region offers a robust basis for future developments and putting new ideas into practice.

WTSH-Online editorial team: Now, short and sweet to finish: why should businesses as well as skilled workers come to the Flensburg-Schleswig region?

Michael Otten: First, the Flensburg-Schleswig region is located on the German–Danish border and offers easy access to important markets in Germany and Scandinavia. On top of that, it offers large amounts of the fossil-free energy that is key to sustainable growth potential. Second, innovation and diversity are closely intertwined. They form part of our mentality and make it easier for people and organisations to integrate into our region. Third, the region is an attractive area to live in and offers a great work–life balance. Alongside that, there are lively cultural and social options as well as a pleasant climate topped off with outstanding recreational appeal.