Shaping the future together
Rural areas are increasingly at the center of major social challenges: Climate change, digitalization, a shortage of skilled workers, demographic change and the transformation of the economy and industry are shaping the development of many regions - including in South Westphalia. At the same time, there is enormous potential in these areas: for sustainable value creation, social innovation, cultural openness and new forms of regional cooperation.
This is precisely where the University of Siegen's FUSION project comes in: The aim is to systematically combine research and regional development - not from the outside, but in close cooperation with local people, institutions and companies. After the first half of the project, we would now like to enter into direct dialog with the FUSION Forum and shape the next project phase together with regional stakeholders.
The forum on 17.06.2025 offers space for exchange, impulses and concrete cooperation. We want to discuss together how we can democratize innovation processes in rural-industrial regions - in other words, make them open, practical and cooperative. This is not only about economic developments, but also about social, cultural and ecological issues.
Thematic workshops: Your perspective counts
As part of the event, we will be exploring key fields of action of FUSION in four workshops that address different aspects of regional transformation:
- Potential of the circular economy in the industrial transformation
Future prospects for companies in the region - Health and social issues in rural areas
Services of general interest, gaps in provision and innovative approaches - Studio Südwestfalen - Cooperation between local authorities and the Department of Architecture
Strengthening community, enabling diversity - Forest as a resource
Sustainable use of regional resources, circular economy and climate protection - Hydrogen research and application program
Think and help shape now
The FUSION Forum is aimed at anyone who wants to contribute to the future of their region - from local authorities, companies, civil society initiatives or science. Your experiences, questions and ideas are key to the further course of the project.
Participation is free of charge. Please register via the registration tool.
Everything at a glance
-
Event date
17.06.2025, 10:00 - 17:00 -
Venue
University of Siegen
FUSION-LAB
Sandstraße 22 (former FEINBIER store)
57072Siegen -
Event format
University and public with speakers and workshops
