Successful outcome: annual event of the Kassel region transformation network

tregks was founded two years ago with the aim of networking all stakeholders affected by the transformation and generating ideas for shaping change through innovative event formats. Under the motto "Experiences, insights and perspectives", the annual event now took stock for the first time. Food for thought was provided by a panel discussion in which Kaweh Mansoori (SPD), Hessian Minister for Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, and Martin Köchy, Managing Director of Hanomag Aluminium Solutions GmbH, were joined by Prof. Dr. Guido Bünstorf from the University of Kassel. He is part of the independent Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI), which provides scientific policy advice to the German government and regularly presents a report on research, innovation and Germany's technological performance. In an exchange with moderator Amira El Ahl, the three guests talked about current and future challenges, but also about the importance of the network.

Hesse is an automotive state and must remain so, said Kaweh Mansoori. "Our goal is to secure plant locations and prosperity - even in times of a changing economy." In order to strengthen investment projects - from the conversion of production to digital innovations - the Hessian state government has created a new support instrument without major bureaucratic hurdles in the form of the HessenFonds. "We need such tools to become more competitive, also internationally." Mansoori also emphasized the great importance of tailor-made qualification offers in order to adapt to new fields of activity.

The transformation network is a great asset in the goal of turning the region into an innovative and climate-friendly technology and production location: "Wherever you walk together, you make faster progress." Each individual contributes to identifying issues and developing solutions.

Digitalization is a fundamental aspect of structural change. However, it is precisely in this area that Hessen lags far behind the national average, said Prof. Dr. Guido Bünstorf, providing an insight into the current EFI report, which was recently presented to the federal government. In the area of decarbonization, on the other hand, Hessen is on the right track.

"You can't stop structural change. Instead, we should try to see opportunities in it," said the economist. In principle, openness to new ideas and an open discourse are needed to make North Hesse fit for the future. Bünstorf made a clear appeal to politicians: "We need the courage to not only look at what is, but what could be: What can the region do and how can we support it?"

Hanomag Managing Director Martin Köchy agreed with Bünstorf: "You have to face up to change. This also includes becoming more productive and faster in all areas." The fact that the employees are supporting the transformation process is thanks to a great sense of unity - not only within the company, but also in the region. "We feel like a family."

The positive message: the tregks project will continue. Deputy Councillor Silke Engler (SPD) therefore made a fitting closing statement. "We can be proud that we got started," she said. There is a lot of talk in other regions, but action is being taken in North Hesse. "How nice that we can say we're not finished yet."