The Bonn Economic Development Agency's annual plan for 2023 has been finalized. As in previous years, focus topics have been defined that have an overarching strategic character and in which several projects or measures will be implemented by the economic development agency. "There are five topics that we have already focused on intensively in previous years that we will continue to keep a close eye on due to their undiminished high strategic importance," says business development manager Victoria Appelbe. "We are now including securing skilled workers and promoting tourism, two topics that need our special attention," she says.
1. commercial space development
As the commercial areas in Bonn are limited, inter-municipal cooperation is of particular importance. Together with Rheinbach, Alfter and Bornheim, the city of Bonn is on the way to marketing and developing joint commercial areas. In addition, the economic development department is pursuing the development of new urban commercial areas, including the Buschdorf industrial estate. The aim is to provide commercial space for medium-sized companies in the trades, services and manufacturing sectors.
2. digital city
Fast and reliable data connections are needed to drive digital development forward. The expansion of broadband through fiber optics is therefore managed by the Office for Economic Development in various funding projects. Other topics in this area include the digitalization of tourist information, location marketing and networking in the area of cyber security, the coordination of the Digital City strategy process and the establishment of a think tank.
3. sustainable economy
In addition to the existing climate protection management for industrial estates, the Bonn Climate Plan now also includes advisory and information services for start-ups and existing companies as well as climate partnerships with trade and industry. Companies are advised and supported in the conversion of industrial production processes to the increased use of renewable energy sources.
The economic development agency is also pursuing the establishment of the "Bonn Region Sustainability Hub". This facility is intended to inspire, support and assist start-ups and existing companies in the implementation of sustainable business models and products.
4. active land policy
By purchasing key plots of land and areas for building land development, the city of Bonn aims to facilitate development prospects and pursue urban planning goals. Land and properties are also being purchased for this purpose in order to provide adequate accommodation for refugees. The economic development department is also working on the development of the new Bundesviertel quarter, the former state authority building.
5. securing skilled labor
In order to secure the next generation of academic specialists, the regional "Next Stop: Job" format will be expanded with new companies and events both locally and digitally. Cooperation with the universities' international offices is also to be intensified and expanded.
The regional agency arranges funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the NRW Skilled Workers Initiative for the region. This includes potential, new start and transformation advice for SMEs, prospects in working life, recognition advice and the education voucher. The successful "Frühstückstreff" and "Dämmerschoppen" exchange formats of the "Bündnis für Fachkräfte" will also be continued in 2023. Key topics will include, for example Developing attractiveness for apprenticeship seekers and company succession.
6. further development of city center and district centers
The economic development agency is paying particular attention to Bonn's city center. The new center and promotion management will soon be launched in cooperation with the city planning office as part of the Innere Stadt master plan. The City Conference series will also be continued with a fourth event in fall 2023.
In Bad Godesberg, implementation measures are underway for an integrated urban development concept based on the objectives of the master plan. In addition, the center management in the city districts continues and supports the local retail trade in Beuel, Godesberg and Hardtberg.
7. tourism promotion
At the February council meeting, the economic development department presents the currently developed tourism mission statement for the city of Bonn. It outlines how Bonn can further enhance its tourism potential and develop it into a unique selling point. Those involved in the process prioritized "Cultural and authentic Bonn", "Beethoven's Bonn" and "Political Bonn", with a particular focus on Germany's post-war history, as key topics for tourism profiling in the leisure sector.
In general, the study also shows the enormous economic importance of tourism for the city of Bonn: in 2019, the gross turnover generated by tourism amounted to around 1.3 billion euros. Almost all sectors of the economy benefit from tourism, above all the hospitality industry with accommodation and gastronomy as well as retail.