Green innovation on the edge of the republic, but in the middle of Europe: the Lake Constance district

In addition to our analysis, we had the opportunity to talk to representatives from politics and business. These included Martin Hahn, Member of the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg and Ingo Wörner, Managing Director of Wörner Bau.

The Lake Constance district is one of the most dynamic economic regions in south-west Germany. Its innovative strength is fed by an exceptionally strong industrial base, characterized by internationally successful technology companies. Powerful clusters have developed around Friedrichshafen, particularly in the automotive supply and mechanical engineering sectors as well as in the aerospace industry, which have an impact far beyond the region. Companies such as ZF Friedrichshafen and Rolls-Royce Power Systems are representative of a location where technological excellence has been firmly anchored for decades.

In times of geopolitical tensions, companies from the defense sector in particular are attracting increased public attention. But while security-related technologies dominate the headlines, another future-oriented sector is growing up in the shadow of this industry: greentech.

Greentech: quiet but effective

Although green innovations are not always in the spotlight in the Lake Constance region, they are becoming increasingly successful. Companies such as puren, known for its sustainable high-performance insulation materials, show that ecological solutions can also be scaled up industrially.

The municipal level also plays a decisive role. The Stadtwerk am See is driving forward the energy transition with numerous projects - for example with a combined heat and power plant that runs entirely on regional wood chips or a green electricity tariff consisting of 100% hydropower. Such projects combine climate protection, regional value creation and security of supply in a convincing way.

The fact that this mix of industrial strength and innovative power is bearing fruit is also demonstrated by the Prognos Future Atlas 2025The Lake Constance district is ranked 20th out of 400 districts and independent cities in Germany, and even 11th in the Competition & Innovation category.

Promotion with attitude

Green innovation does not happen here by chance. The Lake Constance district specifically promotes sustainable developments through political dialog, for example at the Lake Constance Future Forum, and through financial support for forward-looking projects. However, the fundamental attitude is even more decisive, as innovation is not seen as an end in itself, but as a prerequisite for remaining economically and socially sustainable.

But why is it that ideas that make the leap into the wider market keep coming from this geographically marginalized region?

1. the four-country region of Lake Constance: competition as the norm

The location is more than just a backdrop. There has always been direct, international competition in the four-country region of Lake Constance (Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). Companies compete not only with their neighbors, but also with other countries, regulations and cultures of innovation. France is also within striking distance and "la dolce vita" in Italy is just a few hours' drive away.

This market is tough, but honest. If you want to survive here, you have to deliver. At the same time, opportunities open up: short distances across borders, international networks and a natural benchmark that almost forces innovation.

2 Stuttgart is far away - Berlin even further

Politically, Lake Constance often feels far away. Stuttgart is geographically and mentally a good distance away, and the German capital Berlin often seems to have little to do with the reality of life on the lake.

This has two effects: On the one hand, it creates the feeling of being left to your own devices. On the other hand, perhaps no one is looking quite so closely. This mixture of personal responsibility and freedom encourages entrepreneurial thinking. Problems are solved pragmatically, decisions are made on the spot. Often faster and bolder than elsewhere.

3. fresh ideas meet a stable basis

The region can look back on thousands of years of cultural and economic history. One lesson from this is that standing still has never been an option. Prosperity has been hard-earned and adaptability has always been essential for survival.

At the same time, Lake Constance has always attracted "new blood" - skilled workers, entrepreneurs and returnees with new experiences and impressions. These new ideas find fertile ground: a strong support network of business development, financing offers and, last but not least, long-established entrepreneurial families who use their knowledge, contacts and capital.

Partly out of tradition, partly out of clear economic calculation, because innovation has always paid off here.

The Lake Constance district is not a classic start-up epicenter, not a loud hotspot with big city flair. But it is precisely its peripheral location, its international integration and its established entrepreneurial spirit that make it a remarkable place for green innovation.

Perhaps the future will be created in a particularly sustainable way precisely where people have learned to take responsibility themselvesm ' - on the edge of the republic, but in the heart of Europe and in the midst of competition. In the second part of our mini-series, we spoke to Martin Hahn, Member of the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg, about his home and green innovation between tradition and modernity at the lake.

The individual parts of the series:

Part 1: Green innovation on the edge of the republic, but in the middle of Europe: The Lake Constance district Part 2: Green innovation on the edge of the republic: Interview with Martin Hahn, MdL Part 3: Green innovation on the edge of the republic with Wörner Bau Part 4: Innovation at the edge of the republic: Learnings Bodenseekreis