News-Detail

The reason was an observation made by both sides: by us, as representatives of the scientific community, and by the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce, representing the business community. On the sidelines of an event, we got to talking with Dr. Sophie Kühlung about how there is a great need for education and discussion regarding sustainability issues. This gave rise to the idea of an independent platform where different stakeholders can exchange ideas. Ultimately, the goal is to better embed and implement the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals at the regional level.

We now have about 80 members from the academic and business communities in central Germany, as well as from Administration and civil society. We aim to hold a networking event every quarter at different locations throughout Saxony-Anhalt. Each networking event attracts about 30 to 50 participants.

Each meeting focuses on a specific topic. So far, these have included, for example, “Increasing Biodiversity in the Landscape,” “The Bioeconomy Comes to the City,” the circular economy with a special focus on plastic waste and plastic-free hemp building materials, the question of how companies can operate more sustainably, and, of course, the topic of energy. Each session begins with a brief introductory talk, followed by ample time for questions from the participants. We moderate the discussions.

Yes, and that is exactly what they are meant to be. Our goal is to bring to light the sometimes very different perspectives of Economics, academia, civil society, and Administration, but also to point the way toward solutions. This is where applied research—and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in particular, with its many projects—can make a significant contribution.

Discussing and inspiring: Dr. Daria Meyr from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (left) and Dr. Sophie Kühling from the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce (right) regularly host meetings of the network. The latest research findings, as well as best practices, play an important role in these gatherings—as was the case in July 2023 during a guided tour of the Federal Environment Agency, which features a unique architectural design.

First and foremost, a better understanding of how sustainability can be implemented more effectively, where obstacles still exist, but also where there is great potential. We showcase examples of how sustainability can become a driver of innovation on our website. You’ll also find a recap of each network meeting there—as a source of inspiration and motivation. Anyone interested in learning more about sustainability will find numerous links under “Information” to national and international guidelines and codes of conduct, such as the German Sustainability Code, the “Sustainable Product Design for SMEs in Leipzig-Halle” guide, and a CO2 cost calculator for businesses.

The next networking event on the topic of digitalization will take place in person on November 14, 2024. This topic was chosen because digitalization plays a key role in helping companies operate more sustainably in the field of economics. Here are some specific reasons for this: increased efficiency, transparency and traceability, innovation and new business models, data analysis and decision-making, customer requirements and market trends, regulatory requirements, and cost efficiency. By addressing this topic at the networking meeting, companies in Central Germany can learn from one another, exchange best practices, and jointly develop solutions to make the economic region future-proof and sustainable.

Dr. Daria Meyr works at the Center for Research, Transfer and Entrepreneurship at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and is the deputy spokesperson for the “Sustainability in Economics” network. The network’s spokesperson is Dr. Sophie Kühling of the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The network’s core team also includes: Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, EINE WELT Netzwerk Sachsen-Anhalt e.V. (ENSA), the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP, the Halle Chamber of Crafts, the Saxony-Anhalt State Energy Agency GmbH, mohio e.V., Netzwerk Zukunft Sachsen-Anhalt e. V./RENN.mitte in Saxony-Anhalt, and the City of Halle (Saale). Additional partners are listed on this website: https://nachhaltig-wirtschaften-mitteldeutschland.de/startseite/#Kernteam

The Center for Research, Transfer and Entrepreneurship serves as Anhalt University of Applied Sciences’ interface between academia and industry. It offers various services related to projects and events. Find out more on these pages: https://www.hs-anhalt.de/hochschule-anhalt/einrichtungen/forschungs-transfer-und-gruenderzentrum/ftgz.html