BeAT – Professional Development and Training CenterThe Regional Political Annual Conference 2025 of the BMWE took place on November 20 and 21 in Chemnitz, supported by the Free State of Saxony. The DekaRB project team was also among the approximately 500 participants from various sectors who discussed innovative approaches and proven methods for future-oriented regional development. A central focus was on exchanging ideas about regional strengths in structural change, as well as the 6th Saxon Industry Dialogue on mobility, infrastructure, and digitalization. High-ranking speakers from politics and business shaped the program, which was complemented by discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and networking formats. On the second day, practical examples of transformation in Chemnitz and the surrounding area were highlighted.
Through the opportunity for the DekaRB team to participate in panel discussions, pitches, and numerous workshops, as well as to exchange ideas with other participants in various accompanying networking formats (especially in the exhibition area), the DekaRB team gained numerous insights into best practices and – where things did not go as planned – lessons learned.
Co-creation—Obligation or Voluntary?
Especially in the workshops, representatives from science, politics, business, and trade unions discussed the challenges of current transformation processes. It became clear that, above all, the energy transition and concrete decarbonization measures—particularly in times of weak economic activity and growing international competition for the German business location—are highly contested fields. Nevertheless, experiences from concrete projects on site showed that it is possible to achieve small and large successes towards sustainable structural change if people can be motivated to participate. This was particularly evident in the workshop »Structural Change in Coal and Automotive Regions: Co-creation—Obligation or Voluntary?«
Unlocking Value Creation Potentials through Renewable Energies
The expansion of renewable energies is not only a central element for achieving climate neutrality by 2045 but also opens up significant economic opportunities for regional development and value creation. On behalf of the BMWE, the Berlin Institute, the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), and IW Consult prepared an expert report analyzing through which channels value creation arises from the expansion and operation of renewable energy facilities and remains in the host regions, which potentials have so far remained untapped, and how these can be leveraged. The report combined regionally differentiated calculations of value creation potentials with successful practical examples to derive success factors and obstacles. Key findings of the report were presented in the workshop. Using the example of the state of Thuringia, it was also demonstrated what matters in the expansion of renewable energies and what role regional value creation plays. Together with the participants, Jana Liebe (Managing Director of ThEEN and sub-project leader in DekaRB), as one of the top-class speakers, discussed how politics and local actors can further advance the energy transition and value creation.
Gold Rush Mood vs. Acceptance Problems in New Defence
Transformation in many places also means actively seeking alternatives when traditional business fields disappear due to the transformation of energy systems. In view of geopolitical tensions and hybrid threats, »New Defence« offers companies from affected industries the opportunity to open up new markets, partnerships, and growth opportunities through the interplay of civil and military systems. The corresponding workshop presented how regional networks aim to specifically leverage these potentials to actively develop their industrial value creation and secure jobs. Despite the »gold rush mood,v the organizers noted that not everyone will find their fortune here – significant hurdles must be overcome to enter this field. Such transformation does not always meet with unanimous acceptance among the workforce. A discussion about a »civil service« for employees made this clear. As in transformation processes in the energy or mobility sectors, a lack of acceptance can also become an obstacle here.
Why not in Munich or Berlin?—Because I am here!
On the second day, participants gained practical insights into economic and technological transformation in Chemnitz and the region. The Smart Systems Campus proved to be a central innovation driver with a focus on micro- and nanosystem technology, lightweight construction, and intelligent system integration. Proximity to TU Chemnitz, Fraunhofer Institutes, and the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies forms a strong network that connects research, business, and start-ups—an impressive example of how close integration of science and entrepreneurship writes successful transformation stories.
The Saxon automotive industry was also in the spotlight. With around 780 companies and 100,000 employees, Saxony is considered a pioneer in e-car production but faces challenges from declining demand and global competition. The AMZ network supports suppliers with innovation, digitalization, and new mobility concepts. Particularly impressive was the approach of FDTech GmbH, which develops algorithms for automated driving: »We are not running like hamsters in a wheel to catch up with China. We acquire knowledge and develop it further—this is how we get back to the top.« The young company’s success proves them right. The attitude of cooperating locally to be globally competitive is highly recommended for imitation.
In the Ore Mountains, it became clear that structural change can also succeed in rural areas. Projects such as ERZhub in Wolkenstein or companies like LSA Leischnig show how regional value creation networks, digitalization, and social offerings are used to attract and retain skilled workers. The Weber Group also demonstrated how entrepreneurial commitment drives green logistics, hydrogen research, and sustainable energy. Together with the committed support of the municipality and the Erzgebirge Economic Development Corporation, as well as networking with educational and research institutions, the region is becoming a »progressive province.« This showed on a small scale how cooperative action by local companies and actors can accelerate the transformation into a decarbonized and resilient economy.