Knowledge and technology transfer in the Nordschwarzwald region
The region of Nordschwarzwald (North Black Forest) lies in the southwest of Germany and includes the city district of Pforzheim and the separate districts of Calw, Enz and Freudenstadt. The area holds much appeal, not only because of the delightful countryside at this northern end of the Black Forest, but also due to its reputation as a flourishing business location for medium-sized enterprises. The manufacturing companies in the region span a multitude of business sectors and modern technologies, and many firms are actively involved in export markets. This has enabled many traditional, owner-managed family businesses to take their companies into leading positions in their respective markets. With innovative companies and world-class universities in the region, the combination of several key factors provides an excellent foundation for knowledge and technology sharing – with a focus on business practice and market needs. Drawing on a broad spectrum of services, businesses in the region receive valuable support from the Steinbeis Enterprises based in the area.
There are 21 Steinbeis Enterprises (SEs) in the Nordschwarzwald region (which lies at the northern end of the Black Forest in Baden-Wuerttemberg): five on the Horb Campus of the Stuttgart-based Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), 13 at Pforzheim University of Design, Engineering, Business and Law, and three centers in other locations.