Structural development of Lusatia

Brandenburg is also prioritising the promotion of science and research in the structural development of Lusatia. According to researchers, this strategic focus is forward-looking for the economic development of the region. Strengthening science can fund growth and employment and sustainably increase the quality of life. This is the conclusion of the fourth report of the accompanying research on Lusatian structural development, which was presented today in Cottbus in the presence of the head of the Chancellery, Minister Kathrin Schneider.

Schneider emphasised: "Strengthening science in Lusatia is a central component of structural development. It is crucial that the funded projects have a regional impact, are sustainable in the long term and realise their potential for employment and innovation. This requires reliability, coordination and close links with industry. I would like to thank the experts for their valuable advice, which we will incorporate into our further work for Lusatia. It is crucial that we combine scientific excellence and economic benefits in a sustainable way."

BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande emphasised: "Enabling successful economic and social transformation in Lusatia through major investments in science and innovation was an important political decision in Brandenburg. In this process, BTU has developed into a network node in a very dynamically growing scientific landscape. Together with our scientific partners, we are investing in research and transfer with a focus on the central challenges of future-oriented regional economic and social development. I am delighted that the report encourages science, politics and companies to continue along this path."

Prof. Stefan Zundel, Chair of General Economics with a focus on energy and environmental economics at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, said: "Investments in science not only benefit local scientific institutions. They are also a suitable means of promoting the economy because they strengthen the regional innovation system, generate innovative impetus for regional companies and strengthen the region's competitiveness."

At around six billion euros, a good half of the structural strengthening funds will be invested in science and research. The Lusatia Science Park (LSP), which is currently under construction, is set to develop international appeal with the chesco research factory, the centre for research into hybrid-electric and electrical systems for the mobility sector, among other things. The newly founded Medical University of Lusatia - Carl Thiem (MUL-CT) with the Digital Lead Hospital stands for the healthcare of the future, including in rural areas. The start of training for future doctors is already planned for the winter semester 2026/27.

The structural change has been scientifically monitored by the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) and the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (IW) Halle since the end of 2021. The researchers regularly publish policy briefs on specific topics. The fourth report now presented deals with the role of science and research in structural change and the associated economic opportunities.

According to the scientists, investment in science represents an unprecedented regional economic stimulus programme. The focus on the Lusatian metropolis of Cottbus creates self-sustaining effects that make Lusatia interesting for science and business beyond the region. Above all, scientific institutions with a strong application focus come to Lusatia. In addition, the exceptionally long-term funding of numerous scientific projects - in some cases beyond 2038, the year of the coal phase-out - opens up new opportunities. However, this is not a sure-fire success. The researchers therefore recommend careful monitoring and active interlinking of projects and the region.

Targeted measures in the following fields of action, among others, could increase the chances of success:
Securing skilled labour: Access to the regional labour market for international students must be improved - for example, by offering language courses at an early stage. In addition, scientific institutions should coordinate their personnel strategies - for example via the Lusatia Science Network.

• Population growth: The expected influx of skilled labour will require investment in social and structural infrastructure.
• Science transfer: The Lusatia Science Park offers great potential for start-ups and the establishment of technology-related companies. To this end, the LSP must be stable in the long term and independent of political changes.
• Business and skilled trades: Transfer offers that can be experienced are necessary - from demonstration facilities to scouts who specifically address companies. A joint transfer report by the scientific players can fund transparency and exchange.

Background

More than ten billion euros are currently being invested in structural change in Lusatia. The federal and state governments are using this money to realise a wide range of projects: from the ICE maintenance plant of Deutsche Bahn and the Medical University of Lusatia to industrial settlements, public welfare, culture and tourism. This will create thousands of new jobs.

Brandenburg commissioned accompanying research on structural development back in 2021 in order to obtain external advice and expertise to ensure the success of the transformation. The following policy briefs have been produced as part of the commission:

• Policy Brief I: "Evaluation, monitoring and scientific support for structural change in Lusatia"
• Policy Brief II "Something new in the East? Structural change in Lusatia - an interim assessment"
• Policy Brief III: "Labour market bottleneck? Opportunity and risk for structural change in Brandenburg's Lusatia"
• Policy Brief IV "The (new) role of science in structural change in Brandenburg's Lusatia"