1. CeChemNet and the Regional Cluster Strategy of Saxony-Anhalt
Thomas Wobben
Representation of Saxony-Anhalt to the European Union
Boulevard Saint Michel 80
B-1040 Brussels
Tel.: Fax:

2. The Challenge of the
Halle/Leipzig area

3. Starting Point:
Halle/Leipzig/Dessau is the economic heartland of Eastern Germany
Chemical Industry plays a key role in regional development
The region is located within three German Länder, different sub-regional districts and bigger cities
Since German unification – particularly between 1994 and 2000 – the chemical industry received large public support for investment aid and business related infrastructure
Early on it became evident that a stronger co-ordination between the socio-economic actors, the local and regional authorities and the research and innovation providers is necessary to improve the innovation climate

4. From Technology Plans to Regional Innovation:
Regional Technology Plan Halle/Leipzig/Dessau
Attempts failed to develop an overall co-ordination of innovation policies in the region
Lack of participation of key actors such as industry and regional governments
However initial ideas for closer co-operation were profiled in the region
1997 – 1992 Regional Innovation Strategy Halle/Leipzig/Dessau
Successful attempt to engage local and regional actors
Strategic projects were initiated with regard to chemical industry, waste management, bio-technology and material science
Strong involvement of regional government and inclusion into the Mainstream Operational ERDF Programme
2002 – 2004 RIS Plus Projects Halle/Leipzig Dessau
Developing key cluster strategies in the field of automotive, chemical industry and waste management
Setting up of CeChemNet as a business led cluster strategy as part of the RIS Plus project

5. The Cluster Strategy: CeChemNet
Cross sectoral cluster strategy along the value chain
Cross regional approach including chemical sites in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg
Business led initiative with involvement of German Chemical Association
Combination of the Cluster approach with a Strategy Dialogue on Chemical Industry with the regional government of Saxony-Anhalt

6. CeChemNet Partner

7. CeChemNet Working Groups:

8. Results of the internal Cluster Process:
Setting of CeChemNet as a Cluster Co-ordination
Coordinated approach in setting up and extending innovation centers at chemical sites, i.e.:
Fraunhofer Institute for Polymere Synthesis (Schkopau)
Fraunhofer Center for Biomass (Leuna)
Fraunhofer Centre for Silizium-Photovoltaik (CSP) (Schkopau)
Extending the research facilities regarding polymere chemicals at the Martin-Luther-University in Halle
Setting up of the plastics competence centre Halle-Merseburg
Joint presentation and promotion of chemical sites
Joint positions towards the regional governments

9. The external cluster strategy:
Strong focus on Central and Eastern European Chemical sites (new markets)
Using interregional contacts to promote the chemical parks in Eastern Germany
Strong involvement in developing the legal framework conditions for chemical industry in Europe (lobbying)
Opening up for the exchange of experiences and interregional co-operation

10. The European Chemical Regions Network:

11. Results of the external cluster strategy:
Setting up of the European Chemical Regions Network (
Participation in the High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Chemical Industry in Europe of DG Industry
Initiating several interregional projects, such as
MentorChem (Regions of Knowledge)
ChemClust (Open Innovation in Chemical Parks)
ChemLog (Chemical Logistics in Central and Eastern Europe)
Initiating strategic interregional partnerships (Limburg and Mazovia)

12. The funding instruments:
EU-Programmes:
Innovative Actions: RIS, RIS+
Mainstream ERDF
funding: Support for Innovation infrastructure
Cluster support strategy
INTERREG IV C: ECRN Network
ChemClust (Open Innovation)
7. FRP: Regions of Knowledge
INTERREG IV B: ChemLog (Chemical Logistics)
National and regional funding instruments

13. Success factors and lessons learned:
Cluster leadership
Business focus
Commitment of actors
Right timing
Lessons learned:
Internal and external cluster strategy belong together
Regional Policy is more then the promotion of innovation
Capacity building (partnership, integrated approaches do take time)

14. Contact Details:
CeChemNet - Central European Chemical Network Contact: Fiene Grieger, Projektmanagerin Hoher Weg Halle an der Saale Telefon:    / 299 827 18  Telefax: / Internet:
Ministry for Business and Technology of Saxony-Anhalt
Contact: Catrin Gutowsky
Hasselbachstrasse 4
39104 Magdeburg
Tel.: /

15. Many thanks for your attention!