Monographie Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

(delimitation of the service areas) and are created in direct
contact with clients and, as such, are personalised (char -
acterisation of the production processes).” (Trukeschitz 2006:
28f)
Thus, now equipped with the foundation of a description,
gaining a clear impression is now much easier when it
comes to “social services in demographic change” as regards
projections, the necessary positioning of points and con -
sequences.
Markets for seniors
The demographic scales have long since lost their balance.
This is due to the increasing life expectancy on the one hand
and decreasing birth numbers on the other. Our society is
continually getting older and, unless the framework con -
ditions change, this trend is unstoppable. As a result of this,
the needs are also shifting, since a continually ageing society
calls for new, differently disposed support than was the case
with earlier generations. Offers that allow people to remain
healthy, fit and mobile also in old age are very popular –
most notably in this regard, age-appropriate living and
nursing care services. This holds true because, according to
forecasts, the number of persons in need of care will increase
by almost 60 percent until 2030.
Growth market health economy
The signs of the times inevitably lead to a situation in which,
increasingly, the health sector is developing into one of
the most promising industries, if not the most promising
industry in Germany. Merely in North Rhine-Westphalia, the
forecast growth in proportion to the needs will be at about
200,000 jobs in the coming 14 years. Already today, every
seventh person working in Bonn is employed in the health
economy sector. This corresponds with a share of 13.1 percent
of all persons with insurable employment.
Thanks to the medical care and when compared with the
rest of Germany, Bonn is already one of the top locations
with regard to the health economy. With a comfortable
number of hospitals, specialised doctors and pharmacies
that are tailored to provide medical care to the population
(the so-called health indicators), the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region
has the chance to ensure permanent safeguarding of the
future and expansion in this area. Demographic change and
the high degree of recreational value in the region will fa -
cilitate the health economy and further expand supplementing
industries – such as tourism and wellness.
Ideas with depth
The social services sector harbours plenty of potential, both
for business ideas and additional jobs. Regarding the needs,
the country needs more ideas so as to satisfy the coming
deluge. More ideas call for more start-ups. However, it is not
sufficient only to have an idea regarding the possible range
of services. For this, a great variety of different skill sets and
knowledge is required. For instance, this is not possible without
prior business knowledge regarding the aspects of
financing, customer acquisition and marketing, competition
and unique selling propositions (USPs). Especially in this
segment of services, it is essential to know ones way around
existing legislature and the political framework conditions.
For health and nursing care facilities, this applies to a par -
ticular degree. Exhaustive consultation and accompaniment
is offered by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce,
professional associations, a regional founders’ initiative, as
well as technology and business incubators.
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