"Wolfsburg's scientific potential is enormous. Especially in a time of economic challenges, it is necessary to position ourselves for the future. As an important location for science and innovation, we are succeeding in this. The contents of the future concept are an essential part of our economic agenda. The interest and participation of many partners from business and science shows that we are providing an impetus for Wolfsburg's future," summarizes Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann.

The qualities of the city as an urban center of life - especially for students - the profile of the city as a science location and the networking of stakeholders are the central fields of action for future activities. In addition to strategic goals, the concept also includes concrete implementation modules with prioritized measures that are based on the initiative and joint commitment of all those involved.

"Wolfsburg grows when everyone can think and learn together - at school, at university and in everyday life. With the Science Future Concept, we are combining bright minds, good ideas and active participation to create a shared future," adds Iris Bothe, Head of the Department for Youth, Education, Integration and Social Affairs.

Political consultation begins

Back in 2021, the Wolfsburg City Council asked the administration to develop a concept for closer integration and strengthening of the mutual relationship between urban and university development. The first milestone towards implementation was the cooperation agreement signed between Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and the city of Wolfsburg at the beginning of 2025.

Starting with the Education Committee on May 27, the future concept for science in Wolfsburg will now enter the political consultation phase. A decision will be made by the Wolfsburg City Council at its meeting on June 18.

Dynamic development in the field of science

For some years now, Wolfsburg has been experiencing a promising, dynamic development in the field of science and higher education. Science in Wolfsburg is supported by a variety of knowledge-related places of learning with popular lighthouses such as the phaeno, the Autostadt and the planetarium. In addition, the city is an important location for industrial research with the research and development divisions of Volkswagen AG and Group Research and is located in the middle of a regional mobility industry cluster.

Jens Hofschröer, Head of Economic Affairs and WMG Managing Director, explains: "Innovation and knowledge are central to the development of Wolfsburg as a business location. With the future concept for science, we have developed a sustainable foundation for a strong innovation and science location in the future. The focus here is on knowledge and technology transfer as well as start-up support. At the same time, we want to strengthen the links between companies and science in order to help turn new technologies into added value more quickly. On the one hand, we are supporting companies that are already based here and, on the other, we are creating attractive conditions for new companies."

Wolfsburg as a university and innovation campus for the circular economy

Further important impetus has been provided in the recent past by the establishment and expansion of innovative research infrastructures. With the Open Hybrid LabFactory (OHLF) as the research core, a joint Wolfsburg campus is to be created as a university and innovation campus for the circular economy, which will be supported by stakeholders from TU Braunschweig, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Volkswagen AG and the city of Wolfsburg.

Further examples of the outstanding developments in the field of science can be seen at the Ostfalia Faculty of Health, the medical campus at Wolfsburg Hospital and the Programming School 42 Wolfsburg.