North Rhine-Westphalia. Join the beat. Europe's Heartbeat.
Feel the sound of innovation in NRW: Europe's Heartbeat
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is beating – geographically, culturally, economically. The most important economic region in Germany does business from the heart – literally.
Located right in the middle of Europe, it pulses with opportunity and innovation. With its dynamic business environment, unrivaled infrastructure, and strategic location, NRW offers unparalleled chances for investors looking to thrive worldwide. This fertile ground for entrepreneurship paves the way for breakthrough discoveries and vibrant core ideas. That’s why we call NRW “Europe’s Heartbeat.”
A strong heart keeps your business running
Founding a startup, doing something with media, developing ideas: Everyone can do that. So can we. But NRW offers even more: NRW is where ideas turn into innovations and patents into products. Where techies meet technicians and engineers meet movers and shakers. Where the innovation lab is next to the factory enabling business from a single source.
As a thriving ecosystem, NRW nurtures growth, innovation, and diversity – from its bustling cities to its vibrant industry landscape. Traditionally known for heavy industries like mining and iron and steel production, NRW has been undergoing a remarkable change, reinventing itself as a pioneer of innovation and sustainability. Transformation is part of the region’s DNA and what’s more, NRW set its sights on becoming first the climate-neutral industrial region in Europe.
Never change a working system? Oops, too late.
From cutting-edge technologies to groundbreaking innovations – NRW is in top form to transform. The state has set itself the ambitious goal of turning itself into Europe’s most modern and first climate-friendly industrial region. In NRW, Germany’s densest research network and innovative companies are pushing smart solutions that optimize production, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. Be part of challenging the status quo and think outside the box!
You can't have everything. Except in NRW.
Strong, dynamic and well connected – that’s NRW. With its diverse economy, the state offers a thriving business ecosystem that caters to a wide range of industries. NRW is home to large industrial corporations of world standing as well as dozens of smaller companies that are leaders in their respective business fields. Research institutions, factories and startups are uniting their strengths to create powerful synergies.
Where bright minds do mind-blowing work.
NRW thrives on the power of teamwork. It’s the state of highly qualified workers and academics. This is ensured by around 70 universities and universities of applied sciences where more than 700,000 students are learning for a successful future career. Professionals from all walks of life come together, pooling their expertise to achieve collective success.
Many hearts. One beat.
Our state draws its strength for economic innovation from its cosmopolitanism and cultural diversity. Life here is authentic and creative – work, leisure, and education go hand in hand. NRW stands for an unconventional and urban lifestyle: unique, diverse, and with numerous local creative scenes. In addition to urban modernity, NRW also offers countless historical sights as well as sports and leisure opportunities. If your heart beats for diversity and prosperity — let it beat here.
We like to move it. To zero.
Our journey to become the first climate-neutral region in Europe did not just begin yesterday. Since 1990, we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 45 %. Nevertheless, 20 % of Germany's electricity still is generated in NRW. Thanks to our unique interplay of renewable energies, consistent circular economy and our hydrogen ecosystem, we will generate around 65 % of our electricity from renewable resources by 2030. As you can see, we’re always on the move. Let’s move together!
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Photo credits
The photographic material was kindly provided by:
© NRW.Global Business/Jan Tepass
© Axel Schulten
© Lars Junker, Shutterstock
In 4 easy steps to North Rhine-Westphalia | NRW
We support you in your successful settlement in NRW with our international offices abroad and our headquarters in Düsseldorf. We are your partner and accompany the project in confidence – from the first contact to the successful settlement and beyond.
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