It's time for decisive action - Oberhausen needs to initiate an aggressive economic boosting campaign.
In a recent statement, Sonja Bongers, the Chairwoman of the SPD city council fraction and a member of the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, has called for a comprehensive approach to address Oberhausen's economic downturn. Bongers, who is also a vocal critic of the city's current leadership, argues that attracting new industries, supporting start-ups, and leveraging national and international networks are key to economic development.
Bongers emphasised the importance of enhancing infrastructure to support advanced manufacturing and logistics, citing the example of INTOCAST, a company that significantly upgraded its facilities in Oberhausen. She also advocated for the development and integration of clean energy solutions and Industry 4.0 technologies to attract environmentally conscious industries and enhance efficiency.
To foster innovation and entrepreneurship, Bongers proposed the establishment of start-up incubators and accelerators, innovation hubs, and the offering of targeted funding and grants for start-ups focusing on green technologies and digital innovation.
In terms of international networking, Bongers suggested fostering strategic partnerships with other European cities and regions, leveraging existing and potential future trade agreements, hosting conferences and workshops, and utilising digital platforms to connect local businesses with international networks.
Bongers believes that attracting young entrepreneurs to the city is crucial for improvement and criticised the current city politics as symbolic rather than effective. She argued that regular groundbreaking ceremonies for small construction sites are not sufficient to revitalise the economy.
Despite Oberhausen's debts, Bongers maintains that it is unacceptable not to try to improve the situation. She expressed concern over the poor pay and environmental issues related to truck traffic in logistics areas, stating that jobs at logistics companies are threatened by mass job cuts due to AI and are environmentally disastrous. Bongers suggested offering sites for pharmaceuticals, future technologies in electronics, machinery, or similar could attract entrepreneurs.
Bongers' proposals aim to diversify Oberhausen's economy, attract new industries and start-ups, and strengthen its position within national and international economic networks. By implementing these strategies, Oberhausen can potentially improve its economic situation and move away from its current ranking at the bottom in Germany.
In light of Bongers' proposals, investing in advanced manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, as showcased by INTOCAST, aligns with the goal of attracting new industries, a crucial component of financial rejuvenation for Oberhausen. Furthermore, the development of start-up incubators and accelerators, particularly those focusing on green technologies and digital innovation, would bolster business opportunities and foster entrepreneurship in the city.
