Wirtschaftsregion Kassel-Marburg-Nordhessen

PREFACE
Is there any way in which a printed business monograph
can still be relevant in our internet-dominated world? Can
it have anything more than archival significance? I think I
can answer Yes to both questions. It takes more than convenient
data research on the internet to gain an impression
of our region, to get a feeling for its spirit and to enjoy
engaging with it.
growth conditions in
the new Science Park
Kassel. Companies in all
branches are taking up
the challenges of comprehensive
digital trans -
formation.
Following the first project in 2006, we have decided to
publish a new business monograph for our CIC district
Kassel-Marburg. It addresses the people living here as a
means of reflecting on their home, as something that can
usually only be done in fragmentary fashion in our fastpaced
everyday lives. And it naturally also addresses
guests and curious visitors from outside the region who
are interested in North Hesse and its economy, together
with potential investors, partners of local companies and
also skilled workers looking for attractive employment in
the region and wondering what they can expect in Kassel,
Marburg and North Hesse. In other words, this is ideal as a
gift for various target groups and on many occasions.
Good reasons for taking a look at this business monograph
are also offered by its outstanding texts, photos and company
presentations. It is my pleasant task to congratulate
and thank all those responsible for the publication.
The articles give a concise indication of the various developments
in this business region since the end of the Iron
Curtain and German reunification which have helped it to
acquire the strength that is its characterising feature today.
They illuminate the diverse economic structure between
the rivers Weser and Lahn and also take a look at future
challenges, showing why and how these can be managed.
Today about 75,000 companies belong to the CIC and employ
more than 430,000 people, which is about 30,000
more than in the early 1990s. With export quotas at approx.
50 percent, the region has a large number of world
market leaders in a wide range of different branches.
North Hesse has developed unparalleled special expertise
as a health region. More than 20 companies have settled
in the surroundings of the new kassel airport, and the
Competence Center Aerospace Kassel Calden meanwhile
includes 40 companies and scientific institutions among
its members. Science-based start-ups find excellent
Since 2011, Kassel has
always been one of the
top 10 German cities in
the dynamic ranking of
the “Initiative New Social Market Economy”, and is meanwhile
ranked third when it comes to the quality of life. Regardless
of fluctuations in the corresponding business
KPIs, this is also a clear indication that our business region
has more than overcome the structural weakness of earlier
decades. It plays in the top division and its companies are
well justified in their confident approach to taking on the
challenges of the years and decades ahead.
Altogether five articles in the new monograph look at the
future of this location, illustrating the intensive know-how
transfer activities in the region as well as the prospects it
offers potential skilled workers in future. Another four ar -
ticles show the excellent quality of life in the region. They
reflect its rich culture also with internationally unique
highlights such as the World Cultural Heritage Site at Bergpark
Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel together with Kellerwald
national park and of course also the documenta. At the
same time, the region offers living conditions and recrea -
tional facilities that are probably unsurpassed even on a
large scale.
All this is presented in texts and pictures. In German and
English. So my advice is to take a bit of time to enjoy this
business monograph. Then come and have a look at the
region, either as a visitor or also gladly with new entrepreneurial
ideas. We look forward to meeting you and can already
assure you of a warm welcome.
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