PDF download - Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar

The Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region
Conveniently located at the intersection of the three federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and
Rhineland-Palatinate, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region is characterized by a unique blend of
innovative enterprises, brilliant scientific research and highest quality of life. Since the end of April, 2005
Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region is "European Metropolitan Region". With the honouring by the
conference of ministers for regional planning the meaning of the region is officially confirmed as an
„engine of the social, economic and cultural development".
The economic strength is evident in the 135,000 enterprises located in the region with more than 770,000
employees and a gross value added of about 62 billion Euros (2005). Benefiting from an outstanding
infrastructure, which enables a fast access to global markets, the enterprises export worldwide 54 per
cent of their products, such as agricultural machinery, power plant technology, printers and commercial
motor vehicles. In addition, the largest chemical industry cluster in Europe is situated in this region,
and beside Munich and Berlin it belongs to the three leading biotechnology centers in Germany.
The economic success of the region is closely connected to an excellent scientific and research
landscape. As a consequence the University of Heidelberg for example has a worldwide reputation in
medicine, and the University of Mannheim ranks among Europe’s top economics institutes. The quality of
the altogether 21 universities with more than 82,000 students and numerous non-university research
facilities proves that the region is a leading training center for innovative minds.
Apart from the dynamic economy and efficient research and teaching, the region combines history and
culture with quality of life. Worms, as the centre of the “Nibelungensage”(the Nibelungen Saga), the
“Kaiserdom zu Speyer” (the Speyer Cathedral) and the Hambach Castle, known as the birth place of
German democracy, are some historical witnesses. Inhabitants and tourists equally enjoy the wonderful
landscape as well as cultural, culinary and athletic high lights. Those who live in the region profit from its
outstanding quality of service: Among other things excellent hospitals, the high physician density,
excellent living opportunities and various offers to reconcile work and family life.
http://www.wish-you-were-here.com 4