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The digital economy in Germany's "True North"

Unlocking digital potential

Positioning itself as a leading digital hub in Germany, Schleswig-Holstein is focusing on modernising infrastructure and driving innovation across industries. As a key growth sector in the region, digitalisation is creating cross-sector opportunities for businesses to thrive. Schleswig-Holstein has successfully implemented several digital initiatives, including extensive broadband and fibre-optic networks. Today, nearly 85% of businesses in Germany’s "True North" are benefitting from gigabit connectivity. 
 
Thanks to the proximity to major internet hubs like DE-CIX Hamburg and DIX Copenhagen, Schleswig-Holstein offers you unmatched fast and reliable connectivity across Europe. Our state’s widespread LoRaWAN technology opens up numerous opportunites in Internet of Things (IoT) innovations. With a clear commitment to the future, Schleswig-Holstein is building a dynamic, forward-thinking environment for you and your business, underpinned by cutting-edge digital infrastructure and a strong focus on innovation and growth. 

Facts & Figures
% of households in Schleswig-Holstein have broadband speeds of 1,000 Mbit/s, the highest in Germany
% of businesses have gigabit coverage, far exceeding the national average of 36%
% Target for fibre-optic coverage by 2025 and full coverage by 2030
LoRaWAN gateways available in Germany's "True North"
Zwei Personen unterhalten sich an einem Tisch mit Laptop.

Discovering Schleswig-Holstein's exceptional talent pool
Schleswig-Holstein offers a robust and dynamic talent pool with over 1,100 students currently enrolled in digitally relevant degree programs. That ensures a continuous supply of skilled professionals to drive the digital economy. Our region provides a wide range of educational offerings with 49 study programs focused on the digital economy, including disciplines such as computer science, business management, and e-commerce. This diversity in educational pathways equips students with the expertise modern businesses need to thrive in the digital age. Schleswig-Holstein stands out for the high proportion of students pursuing ICT-related studies, with 11.4% of all first-year students going for computer science — well above the national average of 8.9%. This strong interest in ICT fields is...
Vernetzte Technologie-Icons in einem Büro im Hintergrund.

Schleswig-Holstein’s digital hubs leading transformation
Flensburg: Driving Digital Transformation Flensburg is setting the pace in digital transformation, particularly through its successful implementation of the Online Access Act (OZG). Recognised as an "OZG-Cloud Rollout Champion" Flensburg has digitised 58 online services, offering a model for other cities to follow. The city is also home to a thriving digital ecosystem, with numerous innovative companies shaping the region’s future. ...
Futuristische, blaue Digitalgrafik mit Kreisen und Linien auf dunklem Hintergrund.

A leading hub for digital research and innovation
Schleswig-Holstein is a digital innovation hub and home to leading research institutions fostering groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and more. These institutions provide companies with valuable access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise, forming strong partnerships that drive regional and global innovation. Key research centres shaping the future of digital technologies in the region include: Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FLAIR) conducts interdisciplinary AI research, integrating human, social, economic, and technical factors to drive innovation Lübeck University of Applied Sciences (CoSA) focuses on communication systems and distributed applications, collaborating with businesses on joint research projects. Lübeck University of...
Hände tippen auf Laptop, überlagert mit digitalen Symbolen und Binärcode.

Empowering digital transformation
Schleswig-Holstein’s rich network of digital clusters and innovation hubs makes it an ideal location for businesses seeking to thrive in a forward-thinking, collaborative environment. Digital Economy Cluster Schleswig-Holstein (DiWiSH), the central network for the state's IT, media and design sectors, fosters innovation and collaboration. With over 230 members, it is the largest industry network for small and medium-sized companies in the region’s digital economy. DiWiSH actively drives digital innovation through expert working groups, knowledge transfer events, and networking opportunities. The cluster plays a crucial role in advancing digitalisation in the state, with the support of long-term government funding: https://www.diwish.de/en.html Artificial Intelligence Network (KI.SH) an...

A thriving ecosystem for startUp innovation
Schleswig-Holstein is quickly establishing itself as a dynamic hub for start-ups, particularly in the tech and knowledge-intensive sectors. The region offers a comprehensive support system designed to foster innovation at every stage of a start-up’s journey - from initial funding to growth, networking and expert guidance. Startuphub.SH provides comprehensive support for entrepreneurs and is committed to empowering founders with innovative, technology-driven ideas - while offering a wide range of resources for each stage of the start-up lifecycle. Entrepreneurs can access various funding opportunities, including the start-up grants for university graduates and students with promising business ideas, above all in technology and knowledge-based fields. In addition, the Seed and Start-up Funds...
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Any questions?

Hamel
Kristian Hamel
Investment Consultant
Phone: +49 431 66 66 6 - 878
hamel@wtsh.de
 

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