For decades, Steinbeis has sought to be an active partner in the economic development sector – and today, this role is more important than ever. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformation and technological revolution, Steinbeis offers businesses guidance, support and robust networks.
Sustainable economic development is about more than just providing financial assistance or bureaucratic support. Over the past few decades, Steinbeis has established several initiatives that support businesses not only while they are starting up but also during innovation processes and transformation phases. Our early involvement in technology and business incubation centers from the late 1980s on, our work on economic development concepts and studies, and our practical support for startups are just a few examples.
Today, the economic development activities undertaken by the Steinbeis Network offer hands-on support for businesses, strengthen regional networks and create long-term economic prospects. Businesses in the district of Ravensburg, for example, benefit from targeted measures to support innovation and transformation. The Ravensburg Innovation Award inspires innovators by showcasing and financially supporting exceptional innovations. Meanwhile, digital initiatives like the Digital Hub Oberschwaben (DOS) assist businesses with the practical implementation of digital solutions. The main focus of the TIM transformation network is on supporting the strategic realignment of automotive suppliers, helping companies to set themselves up for long-term success.
Targeted support for businesses also plays a central role in the district of Göppingen, where the emphasis is on individual technology and innovation consulting, closer networking with universities, and practical events that facilitate knowledge transfer and business partnerships. The direct support that companies receive with transformation processes, digitalization and developing new lines of business helps them to remain competitive.
The economic development agency run by Steinbeis in Lower Saxony also focuses on technology transfer, process optimization and digitalization. Close collaboration with universities and research institutions gives businesses access to scientific expertise, practical solutions and targeted funding instruments. Especially for startups and small businesses, these networks provide invaluable support with developing new technologies and bringing them to market. Strategic cooperation with regional partners also helps to stimulate growth and sustainably strengthen the regional economy.
The challenges for economic development are constantly evolving. Steinbeis has identified a number of areas that will be important in years to come:
- Digital economic development: the use of AI and data-driven tools to generate customized support solutions.
- Sustainability, recoverability and the circular economy: businesses must gear themselves up for new and changing regulations and market requirements and ensure that they are equipped to cope with this evolving landscape going forward.
- Startup ecosystems and funding: this calls for close cooperation with universities, investors and mentoring programs and the development of new models.
- Strengthening resilience: early identification of risks and strategies for strengthening businesses during times of crisis.
Steinbeis remains true to its principles of practical relevance, innovation and networking. Be it as a catalyst, a partner in transformation processes or a facilitator of networking between business, academia and government, Steinbeis is a trusty umbrella that provides shelter in stormy times. The authors of the articles in this edition describe how this happens in practice. I hope you find it an interesting read!
Contact
Ralf Lauterwasser (author)
Ralf Lauterwasser is a Managing Director of Steinbeis Beratungszentren GmbH. Between 1993 and 2011, he was the managing director of two economic development agencies and one business incubator in Schwäbisch Hall and the Main-Tauber-Kreis district. He now brings the expertise acquired during this time to his roles as Managing Director of the Steinbeis Consulting Center Business Start-up and the Steinbeis Consulting Center for Regional Development and Economic Development.
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