A particularly strong increase of 1,625 employees was observed in the freelance, scientific and technical services sector. The hospitality industry (6,878 employees subject to social security contributions, corresponding to 3.6% of all employees) saw the strongest growth at 10.3% (640 employees subject to social security contributions), and employment figures are already close to pre-corona levels. In summary, however, the increase in employment can once again be seen across a broad front. 

“This stability and robustness characterizes the business location in a special way and continues to allow for positive prospects, even if the national and international challenges are becoming ever greater,” emphasized Katja Dörner. 

The Mayor also highlighted the development of the city center and the district centers: “In 2023, the development of the city center and the district centers was discussed in a special way, and this is also an important topic for me personally.” After all, the vibrancy and diversity of the offerings are decisive for the quality of life for all residents and visitors to the city and the neighborhood. Katja Dörner continued: “I am very pleased that the catering sector has been able to increase employment significantly again, as it also makes an important contribution to the revitalization of public spaces.”

Bonn's economic development agency has stimulated the discussion with various activities. For example, the 4th City Conference in October 2023 on the topic of “More diversity of use in Bonn's city center!” addressed many current aspects. Various measures were also implemented in the city district centers as part of center management. When it comes to inner city development and mobility, the economic development department is also in close contact with business associations. The introduction of business parking spaces is one example of this cooperation. 

Another strategically important topic for the future development of the city and region reached its first milestone in April 2024 with the publication of the key points of a supplementary agreement to the Berlin/Bonn Act. The federal government, the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate and the Federal City of Bonn region have outlined various relevant topics. The Bonn Economic Development Agency is responsible within the city administration for the topic area “The Federal City of Bonn region as a national and international cyber security location.” Mayor Katja Dörner: “The aim here is to utilize and expand this locational advantage in terms of national added value. The planned supplementary agreement should help to strategically position the Federal City of Bonn well for the future.”

Stefan Sauerborn took stock of the work of Bonn's Economic Development Agency: “As the first point of contact for business start-ups, company development and relocations, the team at our Service Center Economy was able to process a total of 690 requests and projects in 2023.” The annual economic report presents some examples of expansions and relocations (e.g. Aachener Grundvermögen with the repositioning of the former Karstadt building) and start-ups (e.g. the start-up Circularmed for waste disposal management in clinics at the BonnProfits innovation and start-up center).

In principle, economic development in 2023 focused on seven key topics: Commercial space development, digital city, sustainable economy, active land policy, securing skilled workers, city center and district centers as well as tourism promotion.

Stefan Sauerborn highlighted the implementation of the climate plan and the special activities in the focus area of the sustainable economy: “In addition to the continued climate protection management for business parks as part of Bonn's climate plan, the Economic Development Agency has also designed new advisory and information services for start-ups and existing companies as well as climate partnerships with companies and introduced them in 2024. The economic development agency advises and supports Bonn companies on their path to climate neutrality.” 

The further establishment of the “Bonn Region Sustainability Hub” can be seen as a success. This initiative supports start-ups and existing companies in the implementation of sustainable business models and products with events and a social media presence, among other things.

Stefan Sauerborn also emphasized the need to develop commercial space within the city itself, including in the Buschdorf industrial estate: “The aim is to provide the necessary commercial space for small and medium-sized companies in the trades, services and manufacturing sectors within the city itself. The development in Bonn-Pützchen can also be helpful here. The target resolution for the office and business park planned there is to be presented to the political bodies this year.”

The comprehensive annual economic report is published on the  City of Bonn's website.

Translated with deepl.com (free version)