April 13, 2023
Almost every second company in Lusatia from the mining technology and related sectors aims to tap into new international markets as part of the exit from coal-fired power generation and simultaneously strengthen research and development investments. This is the result of a survey conducted by the initiative „Mining and Generation Technology - Made in Germany (MinGenTec), supported by the Economic Development Brandenburg (WFBB) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Cottbus. According to the survey, 40 percent of the companies surveyed answered the question about tapping into new markets with „Yes“, while 38 percent plan to increase their spending in the area of research and development.
Focus on Europe and Chile
Furthermore, the companies indicated that they want to focus more on Europe for their target markets in the future. The top 5 target markets are led by Poland, followed by Austria and Sweden in second place, Czech Republic in third place, Switzerland and Chile in fourth place, and Slovakia in fifth place. Chile is also the only target market mentioned by the companies outside of Europe. This marks a significant shift compared to the 2017 survey: The countries Russia and China, which topped the list six years ago, no longer appear at all. Current developments such as the Russia embargo and supply chain issues seem to play a decisive role here.
„With the results of this study, we can support companies in Lusatia even more precisely and efficiently in their transformation. We will deploy the entire range of innovation programs and methods and connect interested companies with scientific institutions, as well as with innovative start-ups in the region. In addition, we will strengthen the consulting services for the state's innovation funding programs – for example, for digitalization – as there are good prospects here. At the same time, the survey reflects that companies find networking with other actors in the MinGenTec network helpful in aligning their strategy,“ emphasizes WFBB Managing Director Sebastian Saule.
Dr. Wolfgang Krüger, Managing Director of IHK Cottbus, explains: „To market proven top technologies, services, and new business fields internationally in a targeted manner and to network companies, the MinGenTec network provides the right platform. The survey results confirm the trend in Brandenburg as well as in Germany that the focus is primarily on Europe and on markets that are considered geopolitically safer. In 2022, Brandenburg's export economy also saw a significant increase towards Poland and the Czech Republic. Furthermore, it shows that companies are acting with a future-oriented approach and want to concentrate their activities on new value chains that will also develop through new settlements and investments in the region.“
Roger Kuhl, Managing Director of ASCORI GmbH & Co. KG, says: „Like every company, we observe the market and put our business strategy to the test. The MinGenTec initiative serves as a source of ideas and a bridge builder. We are happy to take advantage of the specific support offers from the IHK and the WFBB.“
About 300 Lusatian companies are part of the initiative MinGenTec, which is funded by the federal government.
The measures offered for companies include innovation checks, partner exchanges, market exploration scholarships, trade fair participations, and international networking projects.
Information about MinGenTec:
The MinGenTec initiative was launched in 2017 by WFBB and IHK Cottbus to support companies and institutions in the region affected by the coal phase-out in light of the energy transition and changing regional and global value chains in tapping into new markets and business fields - through innovation and internationalization. Since 2022, MinGenTec has been funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the „Funding Guidelines for Strengthening Transformation Dynamics and New Beginnings in the Mining Areas and Coal Power Plant Locations (STARK)“ within the STARK project NeLaBra. STARK is a program approved by the German Bundestag to promote non-investive measures in the mining areas and coal power plant locations affected by the transformation. WFBB and IHK Cottbus also provide their own contributions. The project is limited until 2026. Additionally, there is an official partnership with the Economic Development Saxony and the IHK Dresden.
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