Augsburg's Economics Minister: Transformation conference for a strong future!

Augsburg's Economics Minister: Transformation conference for a strong future!

Bavaria's Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger initiated a regional transformation conference in Augsburg on July 18, 2025. Over 30 representatives from politics, associations, business and trade unions took part in the discussion about the region's future opportunities. The aim of this conference is to prepare companies for upcoming challenges and to adapt Bavarian economic policy to regional needs. Aiwanger emphasized the strengths of the Augsburg economic area, which has good prospects despite general economic problems in Germany.

Around 62,000 companies are based in Augsburg, forming a diverse economic and production structure. The important sectors include mechatronics, automation, lightweight construction, aerospace, environmental technology, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, logistics and the start-up scene. Important companies in the region include KUKA, Renk and Everllence, supplemented by numerous start-ups and small to medium-sized companies (SMEs). The joint research program New Materials also supports the development of new materials, while the Augsburg Technology Center (TZA) acts as a central development and technology location and promotes technology transfer and knowledge exchange between business and science.

Economic indicators and forecasts

The economic indicators of the Augsburg economic area are remarkable. In the years 2012 to 2022, the region recorded the third highest gross domestic product (GDP) among the 18 Bavarian regions, with an increase of 36.6%. The per capita income in 2022 was an impressive 43,271 euros. In addition, a population increase of 7.2% is forecast by 2043. The unemployment rate was 4.2% in May 2025, which is above the Bavarian average of 3.9%. For 2024, 8,286 registered companies were recorded, including 6,705 new ones, which results in a new start-up intensity of 72.0 companies per 10,000 inhabitants, close to the Bavarian average of 72.4.

Conference on transformation in medium-sized businesses

In addition to the transformation conference in Augsburg, the conference “Effective Transformation in SMEs” will take place on July 11, 2025, organized by Georgiy Michailov, Mark Poppenborg, Sebastian Bretag and another organizer. This event aims to support decision-makers from medium-sized businesses and senior managers in transformation processes and to network with other experts.

The content of the conference includes strategic realignment, organizational and cultural transformation as well as digital and sustainable transformation approaches. The organizers also want to present practical examples of successful transformation projects. Ticket prices vary: the normal rate is €389 net, while IfUS alumni pay €289 net and a networking evening is offered for €99 net (including food and drinks). Special cancellation conditions apply and the ticket shop is currently closed as the event is already fully booked. Those interested can contact Prof. Dr. Report Henning Werner for the partner program.

Overall, these initiatives show that the Bavarian government is actively working to strengthen the regional economy and to be optimally prepared for the challenges of the future. The combination of political commitment and strategic planning could make a significant contribution to the region's economic stability and growth.

For more information read the article stmwi.bayern.de as well as the details of the transformation conference ifus-institut.de.