all projects

digital transformation

Digital hubs promote start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia

Client

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIDE)

Year

2021


As part of the Digital Economy NRW (DWNRW) initiative, in 2016, five digital hubs were established to bring together digital start-ups, established companies, science, and investors. This networking of the various groups of actors is supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Prognos evaluated the impact of the five DWNRW hubs in the first funding period and parts of the second funding period, and from this drew recommendations on how funding might be allocated in the future. The results of the evaluation have now been published.

What the digital hubs in NRW have achieved

The five DWNRW hubs have now developed into regional platforms for the digital economy in the Rhineland (Aachen, Bonn, Düsseldorf), Münsterland (Münster) and the Ruhr region (Essen). So far, about 1,000 start-ups have become part of the hub network and more than 55,000 people have already participated in hub events. Around four out of five users surveyed say they have benefited from the hubs in the areas of network & visibility as well as knowledge & competence. In addition, the hubs’ users often recommended them to others. According to the respondents, the hubs motivate entrepreneurship, contribute to networking and the development of start-ups, and support in promotion and financing. The DWNRW hubs’ users also considered the prices to be appropriate. Only two areas are considered to have had no great impact: access to customers and companies, and access to capital and investors.

How digital hubs can be developed further

Prognos recommends continuing promotion of the DWNRW hubs and developing them in some areas. The hubs should, for example, have international networks and establish partner ships with hub-like organisations in other countries. In addition, access to capital for start-ups should be strengthened, for example, through the establishment of business angel networks and their own seed funds. In addition, the hub acceleration programmes need to be further developed and expanded. Thematically focusing on the hubs could further raise their profile and contribute to the division of labour in the start-up ecosystem.

Our approach

For the evaluation, the DWNRW hubs’ system of indicators was analysed. In addition, secondary statistical data was evaluated, and 45 interviews conducted. The focus was on an online survey of around 480 participants. In addition, the empirical results were presented in round-table discussions with the DWNRW hubs, and the implications for action were discussed.

Directly to the evaluation (wirtschaft.nrw; in German)

Further informationen on the initiative (dwnrw-hubs.de; in German)

Do you have questions?

Your contact at Prognos

Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer

Vice-Director, Head of EU-Services

View profile

Our work on this topic

Take a look at our latest projects and activities.

Evaluation of Eurostars-2, the European SME support programme

2023
| Project

On behalf of the EU Commission, Prognos and its partners examined the Eurostars-2 SME fund-ing programme as part of the evaluation study of the European Framework Programmes Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

Conference: Clusters meet Regions in Košice

| Event

Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer presents an input paper at an EU Clusters meet Regions conference in Košice on March 29.

Innovation strategy for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region

2022
| Project

Innovation is more and more frequently emerging across regions and industries. Together with IMP³ROVE, we developed a strategy for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region (MRH) including out-standing innovation projects.

Clusters meet regions workshop in Barcelona

| Event

The fifth Clusters meet Regions workshop will focus on sustainable competitiveness and the role of clusters in this.

Cluster meets Regions-Workshop in Croatia

| Event

The "Cluster meets Regions" workshop discusses digital transformation and interregional cooperation in Croatia.

Innovation Index Germany

2022
| Project

How does the expansion of the digital infrastructure affect regional innovation strength? The IID.2022 provides clarification.

International Conference: Smart Specialisation

| Event

Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer takes part in a panel discussion on Intelligent Specialisation Strategies.

European Cluster Conference 2022

| Event

Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer and Lennart Galdiga inform in Prague about the competence centre "NRW.innovativ" and represent the European Cluster Collaboration Platform.

Cluster meets Regions workshop: Baltic region clusters

| Event

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform is organising the second "Cluster meets Regions" workshop with a focus on Lithuania and the Baltic Sea Region.

Cluster as motor for regional development in Andalusia

2022
| Project

Clusters can support the implementation of the regional economic strategy. This is shown by an input paper from the European Cluster Collaboration Platform, taking Andalusia as an example.

About us

Prognos – Providing Orientation.

Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound.

Learn more