One economic sector, one region, one goal – Chemnitz and the region of south-west Saxony are undergoing structural change. For decades, the automotive sector in particular has provided stability here. Now the focus is being shifted from the automotive industry to a diversified, sustainable economic structure. The associated challenges are immense and the population plays a key role in ensuring successful change. For this reason, the Initiative Transformation Automobilregion Südwestsachsen (ITAS) – funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) – has now launched an online survey for the region’s citizens.
Which aspects are particularly important to local people, how do they see the situation in the automotive industry and how can the transformation of their region be shaped positively for them? The survey aims to find out whether society is ready for the mobility transition and whether it sees more opportunities than risks. It is part of a study conducted by aconium GmbH on behalf of ITAS on the resilience – i.e. the adaptability and resistance – of the local population. How much change can and should the population be expected to cope with and over what period of time? How much change can social cohesion tolerate and how much security and stability must be maintained at the same time?
The study on the transformation competence, crisis resilience and willingness to change of citizens in the Chemnitz/Southwest Saxony region focuses on the economic and social adaptation processes that occur as part of the structural change promoted by the mobility transition. A trend analysis of the media and social media landscape will explore how local people are dealing with change and how crisis-proof and ready they are for new things. Established scientific methods such as digital surveys and focus groups will also be used. The aim of the study is to determine the “resilience capacity” of the regional population and, based on the results, to provide recommendations for action to increase crisis resistance and resilience.
On June 6, our research assistant Dr. Carmen Leidereiter presented the initial results as the technical lead at the ITAS Congress in Chemnitz. It has already been established that citizens’ resilience to crises has increased over the last ten years. With the online survey, citizens in Chemnitz and the districts of Central Saxony, Zwickau, Erzgebirge and Vogtland now have the opportunity to give their personal assessment of crises and upheavals as well as their view of the changes in the automotive industry and to contribute ideas for the future of the region.
In addition to the online survey, an in-depth analysis is planned for the first half of August 2024. Group discussions will involve a representative cross-section of the population, which will provide a concrete picture of regional changes.
The results of the surveys will be incorporated into the design of future participation offerings and political recommendations for action. With the help of the study, ITAS can develop needs-based approaches to empower citizens as well as companies and employees in the region to actively shape change locally. For example, the local automotive supply industry is to be supported with training courses, networking and advice on the further development of its business models, technologies and specialist qualifications. In addition, a mission statement and a regional transformation strategy are to be developed. The publication and presentation of the study results are planned for spring 2025.
The Initiative Transformation Automobilregion Südwestsachsen (ITAS) is an association of regional players, which includes the Chemnitzer Wirtschaftsförderungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH as consortium leader, the Federal Employment Agency Zwickau, the Netzwerk Automobilzulieferer Sachsen, the IHK Chemnitz and the IG Metall Chemnitz/Zwickau. It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.