"Shaping change"

Under the auspices of the RWI (Rhine-Westphalia Institute for Economic Research) in Essen, the RAG Foundation initiated a study with the title “Shaping Change – Incentives for more cooperations in the Ruhr area“, examining the adjustment processes following the mine closures. This research project focuses on economics and is based on the following objectives:

: Das RWI in Essen, © RWI

The project explored on how far the Ruhr area is regarded as unified economic landscape today and, if not, which areas could form more homogenous regions instead.
As regards the development of cooperation models, the focus was set on the collaboration of the municipalities, since mine closures always affect neighbouring communities.

On 21 October 2011, the study was released. During a press conference of the Initiativkreis Ruhr (Initiative for the Ruhr region), Dr. Rainer Kambeck (RWI) presented the results of the study. Mr. Bonse-Geuking reflected on the RAG Foundation’s intention to provide a new impetus for discussions with this study regarding future issues and responsibilities. The new findings were to influence the discussions between representatives of public authorities, politics, businesses and trade unions regarding the regional and economic policy in supporting the mine closures.

Voluntary cooperations are the key to success

The study shows that the regions‘ success relies on the level of cooperation between the different parties involved. Based on these findings, the Initiativkreis Ruhr has developed ideas on how to promote collaborations in the region. One of these measures was the Kooperation Ruhr competition, which took place from 11 January to 26 June 2012, and asked local communities, districts, universities, non-profit organisations and associations, as well as citizens’ groups to hand in creative collaboration ideas. The RAG Foundation supported the Initiativkreis Ruhr’s efforts to realise the project.
Another positive development arising from the project is that the RVR (Regional Association Ruhr) has comprised all existing municipal collaborations in a data base.

To safeguard the project’s aims and transfer of results, a research advisory board – chaired by the RAG Foundation – observed the research project’s activities.

22 Oct 2011 WDR5 report as audio file
22 Oct 2011 WDR5 report as pdf document

Press releases