Developing the Rhein-Kreis Neuss economic development strategy
Rhein-Kreis Neuss
2024
matrix GmbH
The phasing out of ignite mining has left the Rheinische Revier facing major economic challenges. In spite of recent crises and necessary transformation, the district has nonetheless been able to consolidate its position as a strong economic location. Though currently, there is economic stability, the importance of actively developing the location and maintaining its level of attractiveness should not be underestimated.
For this reason, Rhein-Kreis Neuss commissioned Prognos and Matrix GmbH to develop a regional economic development strategy for the period from 2024 to 2029. The resulting concept has an even sharper focus on promoting innovation and transformation.
In the Rhein-Neuss region, the digital-ecological transformation is already well under way with a digitalisation and innovation circle strategy and district climate protection concept already in place. The new “RKNextGen” economic development concept also sets the course for district economic development to move towards innovation and transformation, in terms of its content but also in how it is organised.
To maintain its attractiveness as a business location, adequate framework conditions should be created in the following four key areas:
The reorganisation of economic development will require organisational restructuring and a more entrepreneurial orientation of the district economic development department.
The economic development strategy already in place will need to transition into an innovation and transformation agency with effective structures, innovative working methods, and foster increased proximity to companies in cooperation with stakeholders.
Strengthening the entrepreneurial orientation of the economic development strategy will enable it to operate as a service-oriented, reliable and fast service provider for companies in the future. To achieve this, employees will need enhanced skills. The way of working and work processes must be adapted to the restructuring and a flexible and innovation-oriented organisational structure will need to be developed.
Prognos took the lead on this project. The following process steps were implemented during strategy development:
Further information, in German (Rhein-Kreis Neuss press release)
Project team: Christian Schoon, Julia Schwienbacher, Til Ulbrich
Latest update: 08.05.2024
Senior Project Manager
Consultant
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