Business & Science

The region also boasts a wealth of highly skilled workers. This is due in no small part to the diverse infrastructure of Ostwestfalen’s education system and research institutes. In addition to its well-established school system, the region offers some 50,000 higher education places at seven universities in almost all subjects – from classic academic studies to more practical, business-oriented courses. Institutions such as the local chambers of commerce, technology centers and university liaison offices all ensure that the cooperation between business and science remains strong and lively.

The Transfer Award OWL (Ostwestfalen-Lippe) is one such initiative that promotes promising cooperation initiatives between companies and research institutes. The award is held every two years by the Ostwestfalen Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was well received at its premiere in November 2004, attracting an unexpectedly high number of entries. The new initiative underlines the highly innovative  and future-orientated nature of the business location Ostwestfalen.

Positive effects can also be expected from Ostwestfalen’s selection as a “model region” in North Rhine-Westphalia. After all, the attraction of a business location today depends more than ever on its modern and efficient administration system. The “OWL Red Tape Reduction Law” that came into force in April 2004 means that selected regulations of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will be suspended for a limited period of three years while new administrative measures are translated into action. Further reform proposals have already been submitted to the state government.