Youth-centric transformation in Siegen: Embracing a vibrant era of change
The University of Siegen's "FUSION" project, a strategic initiative under the federal "Innovative University" program, is set to transform rural-industrialized areas in South Westphalia. The project aims to address major regional challenges such as the climate crisis, digital transformation, labor shortages, and structural economic and societal changes.
The project involves joint research and active cooperation with diverse regional stakeholders, including municipalities, institutions, companies, civil society, and academia. Together, they aim to develop and implement new perspectives for rural transformation.
Key strategic initiatives of the FUSION project include industrial adaptation, health and social services, urban and regional planning, resource management and decarbonization, creative and unconventional approaches in urban planning, volunteer work and community structures in health and social services, sustainable use of broad-leaved wood, cross-sectoral hubs in healthcare system, resource forest research, practical education for health literacy, circular economy in industrial transformation, recreational and protective forest, and hydrogen research and mobility.
Prof. Dr. Volker Wulf, project leader of "FUSION", states that the project aims to actively and constructively shape innovation processes through research. Jens Kamieth, who highlighted the university's role as the engine and driving force for the region, stated that the "Fusion" project bundles the university's strengths.
The FUSION project operates with a focus on research with the region, not about it, ensuring that findings translate into practical social change. It is supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and runs over five years from 2023.
In a panel discussion, Prof. Dr. Martin Hill emphasized the need for South Westphalia to develop energy-efficient and sustainable products, build sustainable production structures, and develop new business models. Marie Ting advocates for a positive vision of the future for South Westphalia, stating that a strong, visual vision for the region works within and beyond it.
Five workshops have been held to address central fields of action for regional transformation, although specific details about these workshops were not provided. In urban planning and open space design, the University of Siegen, through Studio South Westphalia, provides comprehensive urban planning and open space analyses and designs to municipalities as impulses and options for follow-up planning.
The University of Siegen's goal is to develop new perspectives for the transformation of rural areas and the region together with local actors. Rural areas like South Westphalia are experiencing significant societal changes due to the climate crisis, digital transformation, skilled labor shortages, and economic shifts. The FUSION project seeks to bridge scientific insight and regional innovation in a socially constructive manner.
- The University of Siegen's "FUSION" project, under the federal "Innovative University" program, aims to address climate change, a major regional challenge, through scientific research and collaboration with various stakeholders.
- As part of the FUSION project's focus on urban and regional planning, the University of Siegen, through Studio South Westphalia, offers comprehensive urban planning and open space analyses and designs to municipalities.
- To promote personal growth, career development, and job-search opportunities, the FUSION project also includes practical education for health literacy, recreational and protective forest, and hydrogen research and mobility.
- In line with the project's goal of bridging scientific insight and regional innovation, the FUSION project offers skills-training programs in areas such as circular economy in industrial transformation and resource forest research.
- By addressing these challenges, the FUSION project seeks to contribute to the environmental-science field, fostering education-and-self-development, and driving the economic development of rural areas like South Westphalia.
