South Westphalia region

South Westphalia region: An industrial region with strong hidden champions

With nearly 1.4 million inhabitants, one of the most successful economic regions in Germany, and also the "youngest" region in the country – that's South Westphalia. It was only in 2007 that five districts merged: Soest, Olpe, Siegen-Wittgenstein, the Märkischer Kreis, and the Hochsauerlandkreis. With its 59 cities and municipalities, South Westphalia is not just a deliberate union into a region with a vision for the future and a proactive approach, but a true powerhouse: strong, beautiful, and authentic.

"South Westphalia – All Authentic!" is the region's confident motto: More than 150 globally leading companies are based here. Measured by the number of employees subject to social security contributions in the manufacturing sector, South Westphalia is the third strongest industrial region in Germany and the strongest in NRW! Key industries include the automotive sector, metal and mechanical engineering, building technology, and healthcare. Typical are family-run, medium-sized companies that uphold traditions and values, where a handshake is a binding agreement – ​​and success has long been part of the family history.

Modern industry in rural areas: South Westphalia’s model of success

The wooded, low mountain ranges of Sauerland and Siegerland-Wittgenstein are among the most popular tourist destinations in NRW. The region offers ideal conditions for families, partly due to the comparatively low land and property prices. With the University of Siegen, the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, the Siegen Business School, the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Iserlohn, and other private universities, South Westphalia is also a high-performing educational center.

As a regional development agency, Südwestfalen Agentur GmbH combines the strengths of business and politics to position the region competitively compared to other locations. Since 2012, it has been implementing regional marketing in partnership with its shareholders (the five districts and "Wirtschaft für Südwestfalen e.V."). In the area of ​​regional development, it works closely with the 59 cities and municipalities on future-oriented concepts for South Westphalia and implements innovative projects. South Westphalia was thus able to benefit from the REGIONALE 2013 program – more than 42 innovative and groundbreaking projects were implemented in the areas of urban development, nature and tourism, rural life, and business.

The REGIONALE 2025 is already underway, and its projects embody the DNA of South Westphalia: Digital, Sustainable and Authentic.

South Westphalia overview

Innovation and startups in the South Westphalia region

The content was compiled with the kind support of NRW.innovativ.

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