"Transformation is a major challenge at all levels. It can only succeed if administration, business and institutions act together. With the cooperatively developed projects of the future strategy, we now have a clear agenda for the coming years," said District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier on the AUT's decision.
The future strategy focuses on the economy in transformation. How can the economy and society respond to global shifts, technological change, digitalization and the emergence of new growth industries? What contribution can the district and its municipalities make to strengthen companies in transition and secure innovation, value creation and jobs in the long term? And how can the district of Ludwigsburg remain an attractive business location in the future? The future strategy provides concrete answers to these questions and combines a well-founded analysis of location data and expert contributions from the district with practical measures.
Developed together - with business, administration and science
The development of the future strategy was a participatory and multi-stage process. Under the expert guidance of the consulting firm VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, representatives from administration, business, institutions and educational establishments discussed key challenges and developed initial project ideas. Between October 2024 and July 2025, more than 300 participants across the district were involved in numerous workshops, surveys and specialist workshops. Two accompanying committees - the sounding board with executives from large companies such as Bosch, Dürr, Porsche and Mann+Hummel and the steering committee of the district economic development agency - ensured close coordination between strategy, practice and feasibility.
Five fields of action as a compass for change
"The future strategy is more than just a concept - it is a toolbox for everyone who wants to actively shape the Ludwigsburg district as a business location," explains Dr. Gerd Meier zu Köcker, Regional Director of VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH. The central element of the future strategy are five fields of action, which form the framework for 20 lighthouse projects and also provide the framework for further action in the future. They offer starting points for administration, municipalities, companies, educational institutions and labor market players and take into account the scope for action and influence at local level.
The district's strategic development is based on five central fields of action. The focus is on securing education and skilled workers for the working world of tomorrow through the promotion of young talent, further training and the targeted recruitment of skilled workers. Equally important is the expansion of knowledge transfer, networking and start-up support in order to accelerate innovation and strengthen competitiveness.
A clear identity of the business location and targeted communication measures make the economic strength of the region visible. Administration and business development should act as modern, digital and service-oriented partners for the economy. Finally, infrastructure and space are seen as success factors, with inter-municipal cooperation and sustainable land management combining growth and sustainability.
20 lighthouse projects for implementation in practice
The strategy comprises a total of 20 specific lighthouse projects that are anchored in the five fields of action. They range from education and innovation initiatives through networking and communication projects to administrative simplification and the digitalization of services for companies. They form the practical core of the strategy and are intended to drive forward the transformation process in the district in a targeted manner.
With the presentation in the Committee for Environment and Technology, the joint implementation now begins - together with the companies, municipalities and institutions in the district of Ludwigsburg.
