Freiburg i.Br. presenting collaborative Business Development - based on SDG6 - at IMEX Frankfurt

Freiburg im Breisgau (Freiburg i.Br.), nestled in the picturesque Black Forest region of Germany, has long been celebrated for its innovative spirit, sustainability initiatives, and forward-thinking approach. Today, the city aims to leverage its unique qualities and establish a new way of working across sectors to foster collaboration and drive new business development.

At IMEX Frankfurt recently we – Christina Fritsch and Johanna Fischer of FrauBlau, presented a first case study to share Freiburg's efforts to embrace this new paradigm.

Firstly, it needed answering a few key questions that will shape the journey towards becoming an engine for new ideas:

Why Freiburg?

Freiburg i.Br. boasts an impressive combination of factors that make it an ideal location for pioneering collaborative business development. Firstly, the city has a long-standing reputation for sustainability and green initiatives, having successfully implemented numerous environmentally friendly policies and projects since about 50 years already.

This ethos and spirit attracts like-minded businesses and individuals seeking to align themselves with a sustainable and responsible ecosystem. Freiburg's commitment to sustainable development provides a solid foundation for innovative business models that prioritize environmental consciousness.

Moreover, Freiburg is known for its vibrant and diverse network of organizations, including research institutions, startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. This extensive network not only reflects the city's economic strength but also presents an opportunity for cross-sector collaborations. Freiburg's existing network provides a fertile ground for nurturing innovative ideas and forging meaningful partnerships.

Do we have the right network and their willingness?

Freiburg's existing network, comprising academia, industry, and various professional bodies, serves as a crucial asset for collaborative business development. However, willingness is equally important for success in this endeavor. Freiburg's Convention Bureau, with its expertise in fostering connections and organizing events, plays a pivotal role in mobilizing stakeholders and encouraging their willingness to participate in new collaborative efforts.

To ensure the willingness of stakeholders, Freiburg's Convention Bureau can employ various strategies. Firstly, by highlighting the potential benefits and opportunities arising from cross-sector collaboration, such as increased market access, shared resources, and collective problem-solving. Additionally, the Convention Bureau can organize networking events, workshops, and forums that facilitate interactions and encourage dialogue between stakeholders. By fostering a culture of openness, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support, Freiburg can motivate its network to actively engage in collaborative business development. International Event Organizers are invited to the city to explore the potential for their own events.

Utilizing Freiburg's Knowhow and Convention Bureau's Expertise:

Freiburg's extensive knowledge and expertise in various fields can serve as a valuable resource in driving business development. The city's Convention Bureau can act as a hub for disseminating this knowledge to stakeholders and external parties like corporations or associations, interested in engaging with Freiburg's innovative ecosystem.

The Convention Bureau can also leverage its expertise in event management and promotion to organize conferences, symposiums, and seminars that showcase Freiburg's success stories, best practices, and cutting-edge research. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, Freiburg can position itself as a thought leader and attract attention from organizations seeking inspiration and insights into new ways of working.

Taking Freiburg's Knowledge to the Outside World:

To become an engine for new ideas, Freiburg must extend its reach beyond its local boundaries. The Convention Bureau, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, can implement strategic marketing campaigns and develop own and third-party events aimed at promoting Freiburg's strengths, expertise, and collaborative business development initiatives to a global audience. This can involve leveraging digital platforms, engaging with international networks, and participating in industry-specific events and exhibitions.

Furthermore, the Convention Bureau can establish partnerships with other cities and regions known for their innovation and sustainability efforts. By fostering connections and knowledge-sharing with similar-minded communities, Freiburg can expand its reach and create a global network of like-minded pioneers.

Freiburg i.Br.'s ambition is to forge a new way by building on SDG 6 and Water as a Focal Point for business development in Freiburg, in collaboration with FrauBlau/tmf dialogue.

Water plays a pivotal role in the region, making it a natural focal point for driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. By harnessing the potential of water-related initiatives, Freiburg aims to position itself as a global leader in water management, while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The success story of The Smarter E Europe serves as an inspiration for Freiburg's approach. Originally a local exhibition, it has evolved into Europe's largest solar energy industry platform, attracting trade visitors from all over the world. By leveraging water-related projects and initiatives, Freiburg can replicate this success and become a trendsetter in sustainable water management practices.

Freiburg's geographical location near the Rhine River and its reliance on water from the Black Forest via the Dreisam River underscore the city's connection to water resources. The significance of water in Freiburg is not only limited to its supply but also extends to its urban landscape. The historic city center features the iconic B?chle, open water channels that have existed since medieval times. These B?chle not only serve as a tourist attraction but also hold immense relevance in the face of climate change. Open water resources and green areas have the potential to cool down cities and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Freiburg's commitment to sustainability is further reflected in its goal of becoming CO2 neutral by 2035. By embracing water-related projects and incorporating them into their sustainable development plans, the city can contribute to mitigating climate change impacts and achieving its ambitious carbon neutrality targets.

The Convention Bureau in Freiburg plays a crucial role in driving this new development. With the support of the city and a strong network of stakeholders, the Convention Bureau demonstrates a genuine interest and willingness to support the idea and spirit of collaborative business development. By leveraging its expertise in organizing events, promoting initiatives, and facilitating knowledge exchange, the Convention Bureau can bring together stakeholders from various sectors and create a platform for showcasing Freiburg's water-related model projects.

To attract global attention and foster international partnerships, Freiburg's Convention Bureau can capitalize on the success of events like The Smarter E Europe. By hosting trade shows, conferences, and seminars focused on water-related solutions, Freiburg can position itself as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and business opportunities in the water sector. This approach will not only enhance Freiburg's reputation but also attract an annual influx of trade visitors eager to learn from and engage with the city's model projects.

Expanding the views on the Role of Water to Private Businesses and in a Holistic Approach

The role of water in Freiburg extends beyond the public sector and encompasses various private businesses. By incorporating responsible water management practices into industries such as breweries, power stations, water supply, catering for events, urban greening, and sponge efforts, Freiburg demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing water-related challenges and opportunities.

Breweries, a prominent industry in Freiburg, can play a significant role in responsible water usage. By implementing efficient water management practices and adopting technologies that reduce water consumption, breweries can contribute to water conservation efforts. Additionally, they can explore innovative approaches such as water reclamation and reuse to minimize their impact on local water resources.

Private power stations are a business model supported by the municipality and can actively participate in adding hydroenergy to the grid, preserving aquatic ecosystems and contribute to fish migration possibilities by ensuring their facilities incorporate fish-friendly designs, such as fish ladders or fish-friendly turbine designs that prevent fish from being trapped or harmed.

Responsible catering for events is also an important consideration in water management. Event organizers can collaborate with catering companies to ensure that water usage is optimized, reducing waste through efficient dishwashing methods, and promoting the use of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. By raising awareness among event attendees about responsible water usage, the catering industry can play a pivotal role in driving behavioral change and encouraging water conservation.

Urban greening initiatives and sponging efforts are crucial components of Freiburg's holistic approach to water management. Green infrastructure, such as green roofs, green walls, permeable pavements, and rainwater harvesting systems, can help absorb and manage stormwater, reducing strain on the drainage system and preventing water pollution. Integrating these measures into urban planning and private businesses' infrastructure promotes the concept of the "sponge city," where water is seen as a valuable resource that can be effectively managed and utilized within the urban environment.

The complex role of water encompasses not only its physical properties but also its cultural, social, and economic dimensions. Freiburg can encourage private businesses to adopt a comprehensive approach to water management that aligns with the city's sustainability goals. This can include supporting water stewardship programs, promoting responsible consumption and production practices, and fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders to address water-related challenges collectively.

By embracing responsible water usage in private businesses, Freiburg sets an example for other cities and industries to follow. This not only enhances water sustainability but also contributes to overall environmental resilience, economic prosperity, and the well-being of communities. Freiburg's Convention Bureau, with its expertise in facilitating collaborations and knowledge exchange, can actively promote and support initiatives that encourage private businesses to integrate responsible water management practices into their operations.

In conclusion, by building on SDG 6 and water-related initiatives, Freiburg i.Br. aims to establish itself as a pioneer in sustainable water management. With the Convention Bureau playing a central role, the city can leverage its unique geographical advantages, historical assets, and network of stakeholders to create a platform for collaborative business development. Freiburg's dedication to becoming CO2 neutral further emphasizes its commitment to environmental sustainability and positions the city as a leader in tackling climate change through innovative water solutions. The role of water in Freiburg's collaborative business development also extends to various private sectors. By promoting responsible water usage in industries such as breweries, power stations, catering, and urban greening, Freiburg demonstrates a holistic approach to water management.

This comprehensive perspective acknowledges the multifaceted aspects of water, including its environmental, social, and economic dimensions, and further fosters a culture of sustainability and innovation within the business community.

Contact Johanna ([email protected]) or Christina ([email protected]), for more information

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