Future of the region: Cooperation strengthens development in Suhl!

Future of the region: Cooperation strengthens development in Suhl!

In recent years, inter-municipal cooperation has become increasingly important in southern Thuringia. A current project at the Bauhaus University Weimar highlights how future-proof solutions to regional challenges can be developed through joint efforts by municipalities such as Suhl and Zella-Mehlis. This semester project examines essential topics such as mobility, energy, identity, education and civic engagement in cooperation with local actors. According to that Bauhaus Journal Such intermunicipal collaborations are producing the first noticeable results, particularly in the areas of culture and voluntary work.

André Knapp, the mayor of Suhl, emphasizes the positive effects of cooperation, especially for the economy and the quality of life of citizens. Using an interdisciplinary approach, supported by government funding, the project also offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience and incorporate their knowledge into planning processes.

Cooperation as the key to regional development

The findings from the project indicate that formal and institutional cooperation, such as in energy supply, and informal, social cooperation in the region are productive. A meaningful integration of various social actors is considered essential in order to build sustainable structures. By exchanging fresh ideas, especially from young talent, the region's potential will be further strengthened.

These approaches are not isolated, but reflect a broader trend that can be observed across Germany. Studies by the German Institute for Urban Studies (Difu) show that inter-municipal cooperation can also make a decisive contribution to overcoming the housing shortage. The Difu studies aim to develop practical solutions to regional housing problems. As part of the research program “Model Projects in Spatial Planning (MORO)”, various model regions are being examined in order to develop instruments to improve housing supply. The focus is on the regions of Aachen, Middle Upper Rhine, High Rhine-Lake Constance and Berlin-Brandenburg in order to promote needs-based housing construction. Excerpts from these analyzes suggest that close cooperation between cities and municipalities is crucial for the successful development of inter-municipal housing projects.

Global perspectives with local approaches

Another important player in this context is the GIZ, which sets international framework conditions for urban development. In addition to local strategies, GIZ is dedicated to the goal of sustainable and fair urban development, characterized by proximity to citizens and a high degree of participation. Collaboration between various interested parties is promoted in order to overcome common challenges.

GIZ emphasizes that equal access to services and an environmentally friendly lifestyle are of great importance. Its guiding principles, such as creating resilient cities and taking disadvantaged population groups into account, are of central relevance. By supporting municipalities in the development and implementation of integrated urban development strategies, GIZ makes a significant contribution to promoting resilience and sustainability.

The project results of the interdisciplinary approach at the Bauhaus University Weimar will be published from April/May 2025. The diverse approaches in southern Thuringia, complemented by the work of Difu and the support of GIZ, show that regional commitment and intermunicipal cooperation can be the key to successful development dynamics.