Ruhr Metropolis at MIPIM 2024

The Ruhr Metropolis is a constantly evolving conurbation, where pioneering developments are taking place. The region is undergoing significant changes in terms of living, working, and mobility. The environmental and circular economies are particularly active here, with around 127,000 people employed and an above-average number of start-ups compared to the rest of Germany. Programmes for ecological restructuring of neighbourhoods and bodies of water, renewable energies, modern mobility concepts, and paths for more climate-friendly business models, in the sense of circular value creation, are now on the agenda in the former coal and steel region.

The Ruhr Metropolis is a hub of knowledge and research, boasting the densest university landscape in Europe. 

With around 250,000 students from all over the world studying and researching at 22 universities and universities of applied sciences, offering over 400 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, the region provides an extensive talent pool.

Additionally, a further 150,000 young people attend one of the numerous vocational colleges in the Ruhr Metropolis. The talent pool also includes technical disciplines necessary for setting up projects in the region.

Education, research, and industry cooperation are intertwined in the Ruhr Metropolis. Over 150 technology and research centres, incubators, and innovation centres connect universities with practical applications in various disciplines. You can also join these networks and benefit from the diverse talent pool.

In the Ruhr Metropolis employees can enjoy a rich cultural landscape and high quality of life. The region boasts numerous theatres, museums, landscape parks with industrial heritage, and slag heaps with impressive art installations.

The former coal and steel stronghold of Germany has transformed and now offers a surprising amount of greenery, with around 60% of the region covered in vegetation. Experience the stunning combination of lush green landscapes and industrial culture by climbing one of the many artistically designed mountain slopes.

The Ruhr Metropolis boasts an unparalleled variety of cultural activities, from stadium visits to high culture. With over 200 venues hosting several thousand events every year, including concerts, ballets, and sporting events, there is something for everyone. All venues in the Ruhr Metropolis are easily accessible by public transport or car. The area's accessibility and green landscapes make it an

attractive location for future employees. The Ruhr Metropolis boasts the most extensive regional cycle path network in Europe, with over 1,300 kilometres. This network is increasingly popular for commuting, as well as leisure activities. The region's short distances ensure that work and home are always within easy reach, not just by car, train, and bus, but also by bike.

The Ruhr Metropolis is a prime example of successful transformation. The sky over the Ruhr area has turned blue once again, demonstrating how change can be achieved.

Former mining sites are now home to innovative companies, while the renaturalised riverbed of the Emscher is once again flowing with clean water. Greentech.Ruhr showcases the region's environmental expertise, turning past challenges into future opportunities.   Through our environmental industry network Greentech.Ruhr, we can connect with over 220 partners, making the Ruhr area a driving force behind the circular economy.

This approach conserves resources, enhances the performance and competitiveness of companies, and promotes sustainability, ensuring they are fit for the future. This is particularly relevant for the Ruhr metropolis, which is one of the leading regions in the environmental economy.

The Ruhr Metropolis is aiming to become the world's greenest industrial region while also prioritising hydrogen. It aims to be the first model region for the expansion of the hydrogen market in Germany.

The region already has a significant H2 long-distance pipeline network, which will be connected to the European hydrogen network at an early stage. The presence of harbours and research institutions connected to hydrogen further enhances its locational advantages.

In addition to traditional industrial companies in the steel, energy, and chemical sectors, there are also many innovative H2 start-ups. The emergence of new business areas and value chains is creating new jobs in the Ruhr Metropolis. The hydrogen economy facilitates the industrial transformation towards a climate-neutral and sustainable economy.

Digital advancements are also driving structural change. The IT sector has significant market potential and international appeal. The region can benefit from potential solutions to key economic and social challenges such as climate protection, resource efficiency, mobility and logistics, shared production and smart health.

The IT sector can take advantage of excellent location conditions in the region, thanks to modern office properties, short distances, and high-speed internet.