What challenges will 2019 bring for the region between the Elbe and Weser rivers? The IHK Stade ‘s New Year’s reception yesterday gave around 900 guests an economic and political look into the future.
IHK Vice President Lutz Machulez-Hellberg emphasized the region’s potential in the hydrogen economy. This could be produced and used particularly well here. The Elbe-Weser Transfer Center is responsible for project coordination in the model region. One aim is to promote ship, truck and private transport with hydrogen drives and make them suitable for practical use.
Digital education was also a key topic at the event. Lower Saxony’s Minister President Stephan Weil provided information on the status of the “Digital Pact”. The state of Lower Saxony is actively committed to its realization and wants to achieve a constructive and timely implementation of educational funding. Modern equipment for schools and universities is in the interests of the state government and will hopefully be implemented soon with the help of the planned federal funding, said Weil.
The topic of digital infrastructure is also particularly important in this rural region. Whether for business, education or mobility, comprehensive gigabit networks are the basis for a prosperous region. In addition to the federal broadband funding, the state of Lower Saxony is also investing a lot of money in the current legislative period to expand the gigabit network. One billion euros have been earmarked for this, explained Minister President Weil.