The annual plan of the Bonn Economic Development Agency for 2023 has been drawn up. As in previous years, focus topics have been defined that have an overarching strategic character and for each of which several projects or measures will be implemented by the economic development agency. "Five topics, which we have already dealt with intensively in previous years, we will continue to keep a special eye on due to their undiminished high strategic importance," says economic development manager Victoria Appelbe. "New additions to the list are securing skilled workers and promoting tourism, two topics that need our special attention," she says.
1. commercial space development
Since the commercial areas on Bonn's territory are limited, inter-municipal cooperation takes on special significance. With Rheinbach, Alfter and Bornheim, the city of Bonn is on the way to market or develop joint industrial estates. In addition, the Economic Development Department is pursuing the development of new municipal commercial sites, including the Buschdorf industrial park. The aim is to provide commercial sites for medium-sized companies from the trades and services sector as well as production.
2. digital city
To drive digital development forward, fast and reliable data connections are needed. Broadband expansion using fiber optics is therefore managed in the Office of Economic Development in various funding projects. Other topics in this area include the digitization of tourist information, location marketing and networking on the subject of cyber security, 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 consulting and information services for start-ups and existing companies as well as climate partnerships with trade and industry. In this context, companies are advised and supported in the conversion of industrial production processes to the increased use of renewable energy sources.
In addition, the Economic Development Department is continuing to pursue the establishment of the "Sustainability Hub Bonn Region". This institution is intended to inspire, support and accompany start-ups, but also existing companies in the implementation of sustainable business models and products.
4. active land policy
By purchasing key properties and areas for building land development, the city of Bonn aims to enable development perspectives and pursue urban planning goals. In order to provide adequate housing for refugees, land and real estate are also being purchased for this purpose. In addition, the Economic Development Department is working on the development of the New Federal Quarter, the former state authority building.
5. securing skilled labor
In order to secure the next generation of academic specialists, the regional format "Next Stop: Job" will be expanded with new companies and events on site and digitally. Cooperation with the international offices of the universities is also to be intensified and expanded.
The regional agency arranges funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the NRW Skilled Workers Offensive for the region. These include potential, restart and transformation consulting for SMEs, perspectives in working life, recognition consulting and the education voucher. The successful "Frühstückstreff" and "Dämmerschoppen" exchange formats of the "Bündnis für Fachkräfte" will also be continued in 2023. The main topics will be, for example: Attractiveness for training seekers and developing company succession.
6. further development of the city center and district centers
The Economic Development Department 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 Inner City master plan. The City Conference series will also be continued with a fourth event in the fall of 2023.
In Bad Godesberg, implementation measures are underway for an integrated urban development concept based on the goals of the mission statement. In addition, the center management programs in the city districts are continuing and supporting local retail in Beuel, Godesberg and Hardtberg.
7. tourism promotion
In the February meeting of the Council, the Economic Development Department presents the currently developed Tourism Mission Statement of the City of Bonn. It outlines how Bonn can further enhance its tourism potential and develop it into unique selling points. The participants in the process have prioritized "Cultural and Authentic Bonn", "Beethoven's Bonn" and "Political Bonn", with a particular focus on German post-war history, as key themes for tourism profiling in the leisure sector.
In principle, the study also shows the enormous economic importance of tourism for the city of Bonn: In 2019, gross sales generated by tourism amounted to around 1.3 billion euros. Almost all economic sectors benefit from tourism, first and foremost the hospitality industry with accommodation and gastronomy as well as retail.
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