The principle of “Open Innovation” stands for an open culture of innovation, for targeted exchanges and closely involving people in innovation processes. In this way, competitiveness and sustainability are to be strengthened in times of rapid technological and social change. At corporate level, the term originated with the American academic Henry Chesbrough (2003). The project “Open Innovation City” sets out to apply the principle to a city.

The Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), a University of Applied Sciences in Bielefeld with a focus on medium-sized businesses, the Founders Foundation, the Pioneers Club and owl maschinenbau have come together for this future-oriented project. Of course, the project team will also be supported by other strong partners. The initiators’ goal is to achieve a sustainable and future-oriented transfer and therefore to strive to consolidate the Open Innovation City approach.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the state of North Rhine Westphalia and the patron is the Mayor of the city of Bielefeld, Mr. Pit Clausen.

The official project start date was 1 July 2019. The current funding period will run until December 2023. After that, a project transfer is advised.

With Open Innovation City, you have the opportunity to help shape Bielefeld’s future sustainability. Whether you are an administration, an SME, a university, a social institution or a citizen: the project offers the opportunity to launch initiatives in the city which would not take place otherwise. People and organisations can therefore be brought together to work on future-oriented ideas for our city. Thanks to local networking, exciting formats and international partnerships, everyone stands to benefit from the Open Innovation City. Let’s approach the opportunities and challenges for the city and create initiatives that move Bielefeld forwards.

Open Innovation City brings all areas of a city together: Politics and administration, industry and start-ups, education and research, art and culture as well as citizen engagement. Every organisation and all citizens are invited to help shape the Open Innovation City. The more diverse the people working on Bielefeld’s future are, the more colourful and innovative the results will be.

Are you interested in the project and would you like to be part of it? Get in touch with us! We are excited to have anyone on board who wants to be a part of the Open Innovation City, to drive forward new ideas and help to shape a sustainable Bielefeld. Send us an email to info(at)openinnovationcity.de – we will be in touch!

Yes, of course! An Open Innovation City is open to any kind of collaboration. We are looking forward to you getting in touch by email on info(at)openinnovationcity.de.