structural development

, project manager Kathrin Reuter reports on the 2nd District Conference in Niesky , the town of modern timber construction in Upper Lusatia.

Here information was provided on the current status of the structural change process and upcoming challenges and discussed in panel discussions . The focus was on contact with representatives from local politics, business and young people.

The event was initiated by the SMR (Saxon Ministry for Regional Development) with Minister Thomas Schmidt and the SAS (Saxon Agency for Structural Development) with Managing Director Jörg Mühlberg . Both reported on the current status of the approved projects that are in planning and implementation, in the corresponding development priorities.

Denise Waßmann, Managing Director of Federnfabrik Wilhelm Hesse GmbH, representing the economy, pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not sufficiently informed about structural change and the resulting perspectives. Many SMEs are struggling with everyday problems such as rising costs and a lack of workers ; they simply do not have the time for structural change processes .

REALLY EXCITING! If you want to watch the whole conference -> please click here for the external YouTube content!

The common thread of all lectures and discussions is the lack of staff. The greatest challenge is the prospectively high demand for workers .

Carsten Baumeister, CCO Altech Industries Germany GmbH , presented the great need for workers in Boxberg, in the Schwarze Pumpe industrial park and in other places in Lusatia in the next few years. Integration in the company is not only important, but also in society Life. A culture of welcome is needed here, which should be supported and promoted by the creation of welcome centres.

In my opinion, the question of how to keep young people in the region - and what it takes to do so - should have been discussed a little more in-depth Timon Conrad from "Youth Shapes Structural Change" I would have liked more space in the discussion here. Fortunately, my colleagues from the Inno team are doing a good job in this area themselves: on the one hand there was the JUNGEN LAUSITZ Kick-Off and on the other hand the 1st LAUSITZ CAFE is coming up next Tuesday, where everyone is invited and can take part...

During the district conference, District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer emphasized that young people need a strong connection to their homeland in order to see their own future here. Everyone agreed: young people need prospects. They must be given the opportunity to get involved in shaping the future - assuming they have a connection to the region . Young people must be heard, young people should take responsibility. It is important to start conveying a positive image of Lusatia early on in school - and of course to actively and successfully involve the young people in structural development! Just like our Inno team has been doing for a long time and with really good encouragement .

The event came to an end with the realization that many processes had been initiated in recent years and that numerous sustainable projects had been funded. But the path of the structural change process is far from over and still needs creative, motivated people who are at home in a Lusatia worth living in. Therefore at this point: again the warm invitation to our LAUSITZ CAFE on Tuesday, January 31st. with us in the priceless lounge at Görlitzer Bahnhofsstraße 22. Everyone is welcome to get involved in the promising development in our great new format, with snacks & drinks !

We look forward to seeing you between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.!

Best regards

Your Kathrin & Jasna

Photos: top left: District Administrator Dr. Meyer , next to him: Romy Reinisch , Minister of State Schmidt , including moderator Manuela Kohlbacher and Denise Waßmann - all rights at district conference