EcoTecHub Bergkamen

The preliminary study "EcoTecHub Bergkamen - Technology Hub for Sustainable Value Creation" in the district of Unna serves to design a structurally strengthening technology hub that identifies transformation paths for the industrial region and supports companies in the development of sustainable technologies. Scientists at Bochum University of Applied Sciences and the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences are researching the extent to which the EcoTecHub can be anchored in the region with a focus on the circular economy and sustainability so that the city of Bergkamen can qualify for funding through the 5-location program. As part of the project, analyses will be carried out to identify the needs, requirements and potential of companies in the region. One aim is to examine location-specific and structurally relevant aspects, incorporating the ideas and visions of the local economy for the development and long-term operation of the technology hub. The researchers are developing supra-regional, long-term and strategic project content that is not yet being addressed by local companies, but shows great (innovation) potential for the region and beyond. Development and implementation scenarios as well as a financing and operator model are being researched to optimize the future viability of the players, products and processes of the Bergkamen location by establishing a regional technology and knowledge transfer hub.

The aim of the study is to contribute a STARK project to the so-called 5-location program for the establishment of the "EcoTecHub" technology hub in Bergkamen, Unna district. The funded concept helps to protect the climate and strengthen competitiveness.

The preliminary study is being carried out by the Bochum University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Semih Severengiz and Prof. Dr. Peter Hense) and the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr. Thomas Brümmer). The project is supported by the Economic Development Agency for the District of Unna and the Bergkamen Economic Development Agency.

As part of the EU Green Deal, the European Union is aiming to implement circular economy structures across the board. Calculations by the Circular Economy Initiative of the German Academy of Science and Engineering show that the politically formulated climate protection targets cannot be achieved without the introduction of a circular economy. As part of a structural package, the German government is making funds available until 2038 to give the towns affected by coal-fired power generation, such as in the district of Unna, an economic perspective and to cushion the loss of added value and jobs. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is implementing structural support via the "5-location program", which aims to initiate innovative projects and create new opportunities for business locations. Sustainable value creation in Bergkamen in the district of Unna must take into account the technical value creation of industrial and consumer goods as well as the existing infrastructure and material flows.