Minister Kathrin Schneider visits Potsdam Science Park

In November 2005, the state government had realigned the funding policy under the motto ‘Strengthening strengths’. Since then, the use of the funding has been concentrated on 15 cities and city associations, so-called ‘Regional Growth Centres (RWK)’. The aim is to develop economic and scientific potential in a targeted manner, drive sustainable economic growth and create new jobs in the region. At RWK Potsdam, which also includes the Potsdam Science Park, there is a special focus on the areas of media, information and communication technology, health care, life sciences and biotechnology.

In an interview, Minister Kathrin Schneider leaves no doubt that this funding policy has strengthened Brandenburg as a business and science location in the long term:

In 2005, the state government of Brandenburg designated a total of 15 Regional Growth Centres (RWK). What progress has been made through this funding policy, especially in the fields of biotechnology and life science in Brandenburg?

In recent years, the RWK has been able to successfully distinguish itself as innovation centres and growth engines of the state of Brandenburg and sharpen its cluster profile. Companies that want to settle there will encounter professionalised economic development agencies, excellent industry-specific and higher-level infrastructures, business and commercial areas, research and development facilities and start-up facilities. Experienced and successful cluster management with corresponding networks is offered – and this is also a promising environment for life science and biotechnology.

The above-average growth rates of the healthcare industry compared to the economy as a whole show that we are on the right track. In total, around 22,000 companies with around 383,000 employees, 132 hospitals and around 40 large research institutions and universities with a focus on life sciences are active in the healthcare sector in the capital region.

What are the advantages for science-related companies and service providers of settling in a regional growth core like Potsdam?

Potsdam is an exposed business location with high dynamics and a regional growth core with the best prospects. The interplay between science and research has created industry expertise that gives the city a strong profile: as a location especially for film and media, software and IT, life science and biotechnology. With a network of industry-oriented technology and start-up centres as well as a wide range of consulting and funding services, Potsdam offers ideal conditions for the settlement of innovative companies and knowledge-oriented start-ups.

As a “city of science” with the university, the universities of applied sciences as well as the institutes and research institutions, the state capital offers direct networking with science-related entrepreneurs and service providers. In addition, there is the immediate proximity to Berlin and the close networking with the business partners there.

RWK’s successful model is to be further developed. What opportunities do you see for research and innovation locations like the Potsdam Science Park in the coming years?

We want to stick to the primary goal of the RWK, the principle of “strengthening strengths”. This is especially true for the Science Park, which we want to develop even more into an internationally competitive innovation location with the city of Potsdam within the next 10 years. However, I would also like to talk to the RWK stakeholders about the even better networking of the RWK in the regions and possible common strategic development goals. That’s why I’m here today to find out more on site and to discuss further strategies with those involved.