Many cities are currently undergoing structural economic changes. These cities affected by “shrinkage” contain a large number of brownfield sites formerly used for industrial purposes. These offer potential for the sustainable conversion of previously ecologically contaminated sites and for the creation of new jobs in innovative areas of the bioeconomy.
The implementation of innovative production processes in conjunction with an urban development program in the field of bioeconomy has not yet been researched. In urban development, the new planning category of “Green Innovation Areas” was recently introduced to provide space for innovative solutions for brownfield revitalization. The conversion of urban brownfields offers new solutions for sectors of the bioeconomy and enables 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” for bioeconomy industries and implementation in German and Mexican cities.
Networking: The participation of both partners in a strategic exchange of knowledge in relation to current projects in the areas of green infrastructure for bioeconomic land use in Green Innovation Areas.
Work packages
- Analysis of current projects with regard to criteria and aspects in connection with Green Innovation Zones as potential for bio-economic uses.
- Development of a handbook with requirements for the implementation of Green Innovation Zones in German and Mexican cities.
- Identification of further research gaps and opportunities for cooperation between science and private sector actors in the field of green infrastructure.
- Dissemination of the results (website, presentations in Mexican and German cities, video streaming).
The following results are provided by the joint research:
- Summarized report of German and Mexican projects as well as reference projects from other countries (USA).
- Long-term networks for cooperation and knowledge exchange facilitated by personal contact (workshops) and internet-based communication.
- Handbook with requirements for the implementation of Green Innovation Zones in German and Mexican cities.
- Joint research projects within the framework of EU or BMBF research programs.
