BRIDGE and SHIFT: Capacity Building to enhance investments into intra - and interregional value chains in the automotive and mobility value chains in the Central Eastern Europe Region, Germany

ongoing

BRIDGE and SHIFT (B&S) aims to positively impact the development of automotive regions by facilitating knowledge exchange among participating regions. B&S brings together advanced regions (Aragon, Heilbronn) along with consultancy EITM, Austria to support the optimal development of less advanced regions (Ostrava, Nitra, Rzeszow). This collaborative process anticipates interregional competency building benefiting all involved. Each region boasts significant automotive hubs, with hosting corporate headquarters alongside production facilities. However, the automotive industry faces pressure due to transformative trends. These changes require adaptation across all tiers of the automotive supply chain. B&S's objectives include various strategies to address industry challenges and foster interregional cooperation. It seeks to expand service portfolios and enhance application competence for funding opportunities. B&S strives to ensure transformation within the automotive sector while stimulating investments in less developed regions. The methodology involves the analysis of market trends, regional strengths, and value chain mapping. It aims to develop strategies for regional development, using existing strategies and addressing emerging industry trends. B&S aims to enhance the application competence of less developed regions to access EU funding. B&S’s broader impact extends beyond participating regions, aiming to influence the European automotive landscape positively. We plan to share findings through workshops, conferences, and reports, potentially serving as a model for other regions. B&S aligns with other European initiatives, aiming to face common challenges and support regional industrial ecosystems' resilience. B&S brings together diverse expertise and experiences. Through collaborative efforts, B&S endeavors to strengthen and preserve Europe's automotive industrial base while fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability across the continent.