structural development

Monday was a special day for our Structural Development Task Force, our STARK team. The Saxon Ministry for Regional Development invited us, along with 25 other STARK-funded project sponsors from Saxony's structural change regions, to the Knappenrode energy factory.

A place that stands like no other for structural change in coal regions - and also for new beginnings: the Knappenrode energy factory

After around three years, we came together to, like many other colleagues in structural development, present our work to a large audience and the press. Over 100 creators from science, research, the social sector, business and ministries came together in the modern cold store of the Knappenrode energy factory to present their work.

Committed and motivating: the Saxon State Minister for Regional Development, Thomas Schmidt, opens the meeting

the federal STARK program also supports other projects that strengthen dynamics of transformation and a common understanding of the future Initiatives for knowledge and technology transfer, citizen participation and economic development are supported, as is the important work of municipalities in the lignite mining areas. Lusatian region alone, a total of 72 million euros were approved for 50 different projects.

Plans for a sustainable future from Weißwasser to Zittau, from cultural projects to pioneering research, presented in 26 short presentations. It's not just in our district that financial support for structural change enables people in the region to implement their ideas and initiatives. We are working together on future-proof jobs, attractive cities and communities, good and safe care, improved mobility and unique research, which can also serve as a basis for new settlements.

Under the motto "Diverse ideas for structural change in the Lusatian region: New impulses for the region", our task force took the opportunity first explain our approach and our objectives, Heike Schleussner . She then spoke about the projects we have managed so far and the funding applications we have supported (due to the sheer number “only”) as numbers, data and facts . When Heike presented our project data - on stage, in front of full rows of chairs - the audience was visibly amazed at the numbers by which we can measure our success.

Top left: Heike Schleussner presents for the task force, right next to him is Dr. Raphael L'Hoest from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection , who gave a motivating opening speech / Bottom left: the WaLeMo project ("Model region for hydrogen, lightweight construction and autonomous mobility in public transport), in which the task force is also involved , is presented. Right In addition, the Saxon State Minister for Regional Development, Thomas Schmidt, and Jörg Huntemann, the head of the structural development department in the Saxon State Ministry for Regional Development, who attentive UBL blog readers have long known

Around 150 million euros

After three years, we can look back on over 900 consultations , 237 supported project ideas and 59 implemented citizen participation formats . Specifically, this means that we have been able to implement a support format in 85 percent of the municipalities in the Görlitz district and have so far applied for or are still applying for 149.6 million euros for funding projects Last but not least, we were able to contribute to creating or maintaining 307 jobs in the Görlitz district Immediately after the presentation, Heike was surrounded by journalists because everyone wanted to know our secret recipe and our plans for the future. As soon as the interviews are online, we will link them here in the UBL blog and on LinkedIn ( we would be happy if you follow us there for daily news from our team and the region !).

Team leader and mobility expert Heike Schleussner in an mdr interview

Our trip to Knappenrode was a complete success. to be able to participate together with many illustrious project sponsors (and much more) in the visible, tangible and measurable upswing of a beautiful region in the heart of Europe The Saxon Ministry for Regional Development gave a positive assessment - also about our work:

"The structural change in Saxony's lignite mining areas is in full swing. A large number of projects are being implemented and show that something is happening here! The funds from the structural change help people in their region to implement ideas and initiatives. What we are working on together: Future-proof jobs, attractive cities and communities, good and safe supplies, improved mobility and unique research - also as a basis for new settlements."

Do you also have an idea of ​​how we could make our homeland a little more modern, better and more beautiful - or tell us what is missing where you are or what you would like to make our priceless country a little more suitable for your grandchildren. This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on. !

Best regards -

Your STARK team

PS: Would you like to find out more about our work? Click here for our detailed annual report!

The project sponsors include (some of them our partners) the Knappenrode energy factory , the Fraunhofer IWU , the TU Dresden , the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied , the Chemnitz University of Technology , the Verkehrsverbund Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien GmbH , the city of Hoyerswerda , the Lausitzer Seenland Sachsen association , the district of Bautzen , the municipality of Großschönau and the DGB .