Currently, many cities undergo economic structural changes. In these cities affected by "shrinkage" can be found a large amount of formerly industrialized brownfield sites. This offers potentials for both a sustainable conversion of formerly ecologically polluted sites and for the creation of new jobs in innovative areas of the bio economy. 

The implementation in the sector of bio economy of an innovative new production process linked to an urban development programme has not been scientifically explored, yet. Recently introduced in urban development, the new planning category of the "Green Innovation Areas" provides innovative solutions for the revitalization of brownfield. Hence, the conversion of urban brownfield sites offers new solutions for branches in the economic sector and allows an urban revitalization process. As part of the German-Mexican research cooperation, GIAGEM pursues the following objectives:

• Research: Improving the use of urban areas as "green innovation areas" in the bio economic sector and implementation in German and Mexican cities.
• Networking: The involvement of both partners in a strategic exchange of knowledge regarding ongoing projects in the sectors of green infrastructure for bio economic land use in Green Innovation Areas.

Work packages

1. Analysis of current projects with regard to criteria and aspects related to Green Innovation Zones as a potential development for bio-economic use.
2.  Development of a manual of requirements for the implementaion of Green Innovation Zones in German and Mexican cities.
3.  Identification of further research gaps and opportunities for cooperation between science and private stakeholders in the sector of green infrastructure.
4. Dissemination (website, presentations in Mexican and German cities, video streaming).

Joint researches provide the following results:

• Comprehensive report of German and Mexican projects as well as reference projects form other countries (USA).
• Long-term networks for cooperation and exchange of knowledge, facilitated through personal contact (workshops) and internet-based communication.
• Manual of requirements for the implementation of green innovation zones in German and Mexican cities.
• Joint research projects within the EU or BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research) research programmes.