On the way to Vehicle State 2.0

The vehicle and supplier industry across Germany is confronted with a complex situation of upheaval. Berlin-Brandenburg is also facing the challenges of the transformation, but unlike other regions, the metropolitan region is benefiting better than average from the upheaval in the automotive industry.  This is the conclusion reached by ReTraNetz-BB in its recently presented transformation strategy.

The long-term goal is to develop into one of the leading automotive regions in Europe. The network sees development potential for future value creation in five regional areas of opportunity: software-based business models, automation and networking of vehicles, diversification of vehicle types, electrification and the circular economy. This shows in which segments of the mobility value creation system innovation and growth will be generated in the future. Combined with the varied university and research landscape and the vibrant start-up scene, there are numerous new development opportunities for a sustainable vehicle and supplier industry. 

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises: “Our capital region is starting on the path to Vehicle State 2.0. In the region, over 100 companies are active in the car mobility sector and over 300 in the entire mobility value creation system. We have first-class expertise in an excellent research and science landscape. Our innovative start-up ecosystem is on a par with major European cities such as London or Paris, and we have also long since made a name for ourselves as an automotive location.

However, a shortage of specialists and skilled labour, digitalisation and the transformation of our economy present the industry with challenges that we must tackle together. The ReTraNetz-BB transformation strategy defines a common mission statement for the metropolitan region, identifies regional areas of opportunity and shows strategic goals and corresponding levers. We want to make Berlin and the capital region the number one location for innovation in Europe. Modern and climate-neutral mobility that benefits from solutions and innovations made in Berlin and Brandenburg is a decisive factor.”

Prof. Dr. Ing. Jörg Steinbach, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg: “The vehicle and supplier industry has to master diverse and complex transformation challenges. In Brandenburg, this sector of the economy is an important guarantee for the future. I am therefore delighted that we have a strong stakeholder in our capital region in ReTraNetz-BB, which is making an important contribution to the successful transformation of the industry with its networking activities. Berlin-Brandenburg is already a nationally important region for modern mobility. Together we will work to increase the attractiveness of the location further for the vehicle and supplier industry.”

With its good availability of industrial space and well-developed renewable energy generation, Brandenburg offers very good framework conditions for the establishment of new companies and the further development of existing companies on the way to CO2-neutral production. Together with the urban centre of Berlin, its numerous startups and the large number of software companies, there are good synergies for above-average development in the regional opportunity areas of the transformation strategy.

Dr Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Berlin Partner: “The future of the automotive industry is being shaped in the capital region. Berlin and Brandenburg, with their complementary economic areas, are characterised by an emerging industry as well as a strong digital economy and great innovative strength. ReTraNetz Berlin Brandenburg is making an important contribution to advancing the transformation and providing targeted support to regional companies in the automotive and supplier industry.”

The Berlin-Brandenburg Regional Transformation Network (ReTraNetz-BB) is the platform in the metropolitan region for designers and companies in the mobility ecosystem by networking, empowering, advising and inspiring. All of this with the aim of making the Berlin Brandenburg region the European leading region for digitally integrated, climate-neutral and socially acceptable industrial production and a pioneer for the development and implementation of innovative mobility offers in the mobility value creation system. 

Further information on the transformation strategy can be found here: https://retranetz-bb.de/downloads

About ReTraNetz-BB 

The Berlin-Brandenburg Regional Transformation Network is one of 27 transformation networks nationwide. It is the only network that works across borders. In addition to the economic development agency Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie as coordinator, the trade union IG Metall with the DGB training centre and the employers’ association UVB, the BfW University and scientific institutions such as the TU Berlin and Fraunhofer IPK are part of the consortium. The project will run until June 2025.       

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