The KielRegion – an amazing, all-inclusive package

WTSH-Online editorial team: Ms Wielatt, transport and mobility are among the core topics dealt with in the KielRegion, and you have a master plan for sustainable and climate-friendly mobility. What does that really mean, and what are the milestones in it?

Ulrike Wielatt: The mobility master plan for the KielRegion is an action plan which was developed collaboratively. It aims to make mobility in our region sustainable, climate friendly and future oriented. The plan was created through a broad, participatory process and includes specific targets and measures to boost eco-friendly transport options – i.e. public transport, including ferries across the Kieler Förde inlet; cycling and footpaths – as well as reduce car traffic and promote climate-friendly alternatives. 

WTSH-Online editorial team: What are some of the things you have already achieved?

Ulrike Wielatt: By implementing a large number of measures, such as the SprottenFlotte regional bike-sharing system and dedicated mobility hubs, we have already unlocked many important ideas for developing integrated mobility in the KielRegion. As a result, the mobility master plan has generated valuable momentum in the region. Institutional structures have been created as well as cooperative structures for working together within the region. In the next two years, we will update the master plan to keep it current and adapted to the changed conditions in the region’s mobility. These changes include new developments in digitalisation, artificial intelligence and major regional projects, like the construction of a new light rail network in Kiel. To that end, we are evaluating the current master plan and performing a status quo analysis to help us clearly identify the challenges and potential of mobility in the region. Building on the findings, results and changed mobility environment in the KielRegion, the second version of the master plan will be a strategic foundation for sustainable mobility planning in the region for the period up to 2040.

WTSH-Online editorial team: What things make the KielRegion stand out?

Ulrike Wielatt: The KielRegion offers an amazing, all-inclusive package for businesses. Our geographic location makes us an ideal point of entry to international markets and trade routes, especially in the Baltic Sea area. Simultaneously, the KielRegion boasts significantly lower overheads and location-based costs than large cities such as Hamburg or Berlin. These things give companies a crucial competitive advantage. Furthermore, the strong connections between academia and business serve as a key driver of innovation. We foster progress and technological development with excellent universities, internationally recognised research institutes such as GEOMAR and a vibrant start-up culture. That is why our region is a pioneer in areas such as digitalisation and renewable energy, too. Besides these economic advantages, the KielRegion stands out for its extraordinarily high quality of life. The numerous beaches, the maritime flair and a wide variety of cultural and leisure options make the region an attractive place to be.

WTSH-Online editorial team: The era we live in is highly dynamic and also uncertain globally. These are things that affect the decisions companies make about their locations. How will the KielRegion adjust to this and ensure that it can still keep being seen as an appealing place to do business? What measures are being taken to attract businesses? 

Ulrike Wielatt: In these turbulent times, strong, cooperative partnerships like the ones in our region send an important signal and provide a foundation for future-oriented solutions. We involve our local businesses in all of this, too, naturally. We at KielRegion GmbH recognised early on that the current global uncertainty and economic dynamic demands a high level of adaptability and innovation. We need to be an attractive and future-proof location for business, especially in challenging times, and we are applying a number of measures for this. In a project called INQA, we offer companies practical advisory and coaching services on the subjects of transformation, digitalisation and business model development, with up to 80% funding. Our GrønBusiness project supports businesses in Germany and Denmark with the integration of sustainable practices and the circular economy in their business processes. We also develop solutions for a future-proof economy jointly with our partners. For example, we are coming up with new concepts for things such as New Work and co-working, and provide platforms such as our business portal which makes it easier for companies to find suitable locations. We also rely on close cooperation and direct dialogue with decision makers in business, government and academia so that companies are connected and involved directly. Events such as our regional conferences are essential for fostering exchange and developing solutions jointly.

WTSH-Online editorial team: Let’s talk about skilled workers and the start-up community. What projects is the KielRegion initiating to make the location more attractive for skilled workers and entrepreneurs?

Ulrike Wielatt: A location that is attractive for doing business is one that has qualified, skilled workers. We have a project called Moin Fachkräfte (‘Hi, Skilled Workers’) where we work together with the city of Neumünster on innovative measures to attract skilled workers, including for example e-sports, industry-specific landing pages and a talent pool. With projects like the Praktikumsbörse (‘Internship Exchange’) and Talent Summit, an exhibition for international students, we connect school and university students with regional companies at an early stage. Another element that a dynamic economic region has is a strong start-up ecosystem. Accordingly, we bring together advisory and support services for start-up founders and companies in all phases, from finding ideas to starting a company and then growing it. With formats such as the GründungsCup (‘Start-up Cup’), which encourages steps to self-employment, or networks for those starting companies, we create an attractive environment for innovation and new business models. We show that the KielRegion is a genuine alternative to the major cities.

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

Ulrike Wielatt: Whether a company or a skilled worker, the KielRegion offers the best conditions for success. With its strategic location by the Kiel Canal and as a gateway to the Baltic Sea region, its strong economy, appealing location costs, innovation from science at highly regarded research facilities and outstanding quality of life, it is the perfect place for anyone looking to shape the future. If you are looking for a dynamic location to do business with real growth prospects, and on top of that a location with local recreation options, beaches and diverse nature at your doorstep, then the KielRegion might just be exactly what you are looking for.