Description and objectives of the project

The “TransLOek” project will be launched in three neighbourhoods in the Middle Rhine region, where the local economy is exposed to significant structural adjustment pressures. These three districts are: Krefeld-Süd, Mönchengladbach-Innenstadt and Viersen-Dülken. All three districts have undergone a strong process of change in recent years and the local economy is in strong competition with the surrounding districts and cities.

On the basis of quarterly analyses, transferable factors and possibilities for action for successful functional change are to be identified at the system, institutional and actor levels.

Our aim is to strengthen the local economy through evidence-based activities in the future-oriented transformation process of the Lower Rhine region and the development of a practice-oriented “Lower Rhine Local Economic Competence Centre” as a platform for regional networks of politicians, administrations, chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs and multipliers.

Added value for the region

The project is being carried out by the institutes SO.CON (Department of Social Sciences) and NIERS (Department of Economics) of the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences in close coordination with the regional steering committee. This is made up of representatives from the towns of Mönchengladbach, Krefeld, Viersen and the district of Viersen. Strengthening the sustainable effectiveness of the new network structures. Supporting functional change in the local economy.

Project partners

• Municipality of Viersen
• Kreis Viersen
• Municipality of Mönchengladbach
• Municipality of Krefeld

The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Project duration

November 2019 – October 2022

Link to the project website