Technology Park and Technology Centre in Dortmund – Engines for Local Economic Recovering

Many cities in Europe suffer from a decline in traditional industries. Dortmund and the whole Ruhr-Area is a prominent example for a local economy where at former times strong business sectors quickly vanished. However, the foundation of the TU Dortmund University in the 60th was a far-sighted decision whose utmost relevance for the change process and the economic transition in Dortmund turned out almost 20 years later. TU Dortmund's technological focus has not only been driving engine for the establishment of new research institutes but a precious asset utilized by a Technology Centre and a Technology Park. In this paper we outline the cluster approach and the financial impact of the Technology Center and Technology Park.