Twelve Model Regions, Two Transfer Workshops, One Training Programme: Year One in Review
Since the launch of the initiative Absorptionsfähigkeit von Fördermitteln in strukturschwachen Räumen stärken (Strengthening the Absorptive Capacity for Funding in Structurally Weak Areas) in June 2024, the project has developed dynamically. The aim of the initiative is to establish robust funding structures in model regions, support them with concrete funding applications, and ensure sustainable funding management. This is intended to enable structurally weak regions to apply for and implement funding more effectively and at greater scale.
The original five model regions have now expanded to twelve, which are testing innovative approaches across Germany to improve the use of funding in line with strategic regional development objectives. At the previous transfer workshops – held in Altenburg in November 2024 and in Einbeck in March/April 2025 – there was intensive exchange on strategies and initial implementation successes. In the meantime, the model regions have begun implementing projects and applying for funding.
Another key milestone was reached on 30 April 2025 with the launch of a training programme on funding acquisition. As part of the research support team, REM Consult is delivering modules for funding managers, starting with an “Introduction to the Public Funding Landscape”. The second module, held on 14 May, focused on “Funding Research, Knowledge Management, and AI”, with further thematic areas to be covered on a fortnightly basis. The training programme aims to equip funding managers with the necessary knowledge, practical tools, and strategic orientation to research funding opportunities more effectively, develop projects systematically, submit successful applications, and implement the goals of the Strategic Regional Operational Programmes (SROPs) as effectively as possible. Around 30 participants are sharing their experiences and working on real-life case studies.
However, REM Consult’s support goes beyond the training modules. As a foundation for the model project, the participating model regions have developed a Strategic Regional Development Concept (SREK), which outlines the long-term goals and development strategies of a region. The Strategic Regional Operational Programme (SROP) translates these goals into specific projects and measures over a period of one to two years. This results in a clear roadmap from idea to implementation, including an appropriate funding strategy. The team supports the model regions in researching funding opportunities for strategic projects based on the SREKs and SROPs, and assists in building effective funding management structures. REM Consult provides comprehensive support, for example through:
- Supporting the development of effective funding management structures, including detailed organisational charts and process flows
- Providing qualified feedback on job postings and personnel selection
- Conducting baseline assessments and stakeholder analyses
- Moderating inter-municipal coordination processes
This intensive process and project management approach supports regional activities as well as the establishment of funding management structures. Initial successes in building regional funding networks are already visible, and the model regions have started to implement projects and submit specific funding applications. The third transfer workshop marks another upcoming milestone. In the long term, the initiative aims to consolidate the structures established so far, to ensure that a steadily increasing volume of funding can flow into structurally weak areas on a continuous basis.