The new Bielefeld – a city builds its future
Open Innovation City Bielefeld
In an era of rapid technological change and social development, innovation is becoming the benchmark for the continued sustainability of German cities and regions. The still-young scientific principle of open innovation stands for openness, for networking the social actors, for the connection between science, business and society, and for the joint utilization of the potential of the various social actors.
Bielefeld will be the first “Open Innovation City” in Germany. Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, the North Rhine-Westphalian Minister for Economic Affairs, released a funding decision to this effect in June 2019. The University of Applied Sciences of the Middle Class (FHM), the Founders Foundation, the Pioneers Club and OWL Maschinenbau have joined forces for this forward-looking project.
Goals and Content
The aim of the scientifically based project is to create an innovative network of business, universities, start-ups, politics and society to ensure the future viability of German cities. In the future, future-relevant topics are to be discussed openly and jointly in networks at the city level. In addition to developing future-oriented formats for internal and international networking, the planned measures include, for example, an innovation platform that presents the city's current innovations in a visible way.
In addition, Bielefeld is establishing international innovation partnerships with cities and regions around the world, through which the city is permanently increasing its innovation potential. Existing local initiatives and formats are to be linked, networked and strengthened. The activities are managed by the Innovation Office, which will be based in the heart of the city. From here, a noticeable culture of innovation orientation is to emanate, which will also promote the development and migration of talent and expertise to the city.
The researchers from the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), who are scientifically leading the project, expect fundamental insights into the application of open innovation principles at the city and regional level, as well as into the design of an innovation-friendly ecosystem. In this context, a study will be published that evaluates the innovation potential of cities and highlights areas for action. The result is a practical guide that is freely available to support the transformation to open innovation in other cities and regions.
“We want to develop North Rhine-Westphalia into one of the most innovative economic regions in Europe in the coming years. To achieve this goal, the state government is focusing on excellence in research and education, successful technology transfer to industry and ethically responsible implementation. I am delighted that Germany's first Innovation City is being built in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Ostwestfalen-Lippe region is characterized by a strong economy, excellent universities and a growing start-up culture. This makes Bielefeld an outstanding location for the pilot project."
Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, Minister for Economic Affairs and Digitalization of North Rhine-Westphalia
“Bielefeld is a perfect candidate for the pilot city: a strong SME sector, a robust university landscape, forward-looking and innovative institutes and many social initiatives, plus a growing start-up ecosystem. With Open Innovation City, we want to combine these forces and establish a culture of innovation to boldly shape the future of the city ourselves. The aim is to develop a national model for a city that is open to innovation and drives progress.”
Prof. Dr. Anne Dreier, Rector & Managing Director
“We, the City of Bielefeld, support the Open Innovation City project and see it as a further building block in our successful development process to become one of the most innovative and digital economic regions in Europe.”
Pit Clausen, Mayor of Bielefeld
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