The project ReTraNetz-Berlin-Brandenburg is taking off: To make the automotive industry and its employees fit for the future, Berlin and Brandenburg are receiving around eight million euros in funding from the Federal government. This money is part of the 200 million Euro package from the Federal Ministry of Economics to create so-called regional transformation networks (ReTraNetz) to advance the mobility change and the associated new requirements for the vehicle industry.

The settlement of Tesla has catapulted the region into the premier league of automotive locations. But even beyond that, the value chains are currently coming together in Berlin-Brandenburg – from the lithium refinery to battery cell production and automobile assembly. The ReTraNetz project is about finding a new understanding of mobility, developing the existing automotive industry, and shaping structural change together. 

Therefore, the transformation network includes Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie as the coordinator, trade unions and employers’ associations, educational institutions, and scientific institutions such as the TU Berlin and Fraunhofer IPK. Dr Stefan Franzke, CEO of the Berlin Partner business development agency: “With the new funding project, the Berlin Partner business development agency can once again make use of its great strength: Networks. We can now create structures in which all bright minds – in science and business, in start-ups and established companies – work on the issues of mobility transition and provide targeted support to regional companies in the automotive and supplier industry.” The aim is for all stakeholders to work together and find the best ideas and solutions, as well as to develop measures to support partners in the region The aim is for all stakeholders to work together to find the best ideas and solutions, as well as to develop measures to support partners in the region during the implementation.