Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
One aim of the innovation center is to reinforce local change in the areas of technology and services for the energy transition, resource efficiency through the circular economy, and sustainable digital agriculture.
HELMIZ innovation center
A driving force behind the transfer of knowledge and technology
Challenge: Sustainable structural change in the former lignite mining area
The safeguarding of existing jobs and the creation of new ones is a key element in the implementation of economic, social and ecologically sustainable structural change in the former Helmstedt mining district. One major driver is innovation, as this is a prerequisite for the long-term strengthening of enterprises and small, medium and large companies in the region.
Solution: An innovation center for the Helmstedt economic region
In order to drive forward the transformation in the former lignite mining region of Helmstedt, the Fraunhofer IST is working together with the Fraunhofer IKTS and in close cooperation with Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH on the development and establishment of an innovation center for measures addressing the transfer of knowledge and technology. The main areas of focus are:
- Technologies and services for the energy transition
- Resource efficiency through the circular economy
- Sustainable and digital agriculture
The aim is to boost value creation in the region. Within the framework of this project, projects addressing the sustainable transfer of knowledge and technology are to be initiated which will be implemented with regional partners from business, science and politics. This should not only strengthen regional companies, but also make the region more attractive to new businesses. In close cooperation with the TU Braunschweig and Ostfalia Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel, the innovation center furthermore provides advice and support to start-ups and young companies.
Added value for the region
Moreover, since 2018, the Helmstedt mining district has been participating in the nationwide model program “Unternehmen Revier”, which is organized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. This provides the former lignite mining region of Helmstedt with the opportunity to implement innovative projects in order to drive forward structural change in the district of Helmstedt and to facilitate the transformation towards a sustainable economic region.
