Study commissioned by Lausitzer Perspektiven e.V., together with Prof. Jan Schnellenbach, BTU

The foreseeable further course of structural change in Lusatia implies a need for action with regard to further regional development. In this context, a policy aimed at improving the general conditions of a region for innovation, business start-ups and regional growth is essential. One conceivable starting point for this is to strengthen the research landscape in Lusatia. This report first presented and reflected on the theoretical arguments and empirical evidence for the regional policy significance of research-based organisations. Subsequently, the science and research location of Lusatia was evaluated in order to ultimately derive concrete recommendations for action for the expansion of the research infrastructure in Lusatia, with the help of which new and powerful economic structures can develop in Lusatia.

The study concludes that considerable additional efforts are required in order to fully utilise the region's innovation potential. A targeted expansion of the research infrastructure through the expansion of the region's universities or the establishment of non-university research institutes therefore seems imperative. The above-average heterogeneous industrial structure of Lusatia offers a wide range of starting points for the development of innovative fields of economic expertise supported by research expertise.

Completion of the project: 09/2017

The study is available on the website of Lausitzer Perspektiven e.V.