Targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises

But it is also one that is often a major challenge for small and medium-sized companies to implement, particularly in the areas of digitalization and personnel development.

With the new regioLab coordination office, the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency aims to provide companies with practical assistance in continuing vocational training. The project was launched this summer and will initially run for three years. The Hannover Region is contributing 30 percent of the estimated total costs of around 986,000 euros. The other 70 percent is covered by funding from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

"The small and medium-sized enterprises in the Hannover Region are the engine room of the economy. In order for them to remain competitive, it is essential that they are well positioned to meet the demands of digitalization and the rapid changes in work processes. We hope that a combination of new learning tools, operational networking and targeted support - such as in the newly created regioLab - will equip them for this," says Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Hannover Region's Economic Affairs Department.

The regioLab aims to show small and medium-sized companies what technical and financial support is available in the area of further education. The aim is always to facilitate access to digital learning solutions. To this end, regioLab will set up, support and advise training networks in the Hannover region.

Four members of staff from the Hannover Region's Economic and Employment Promotion Department will be working specifically on offers and networking. Because networking is important, says project manager Katarina von Bönninghausen-Budberg:

"The exchange among each other helps everyone. We want to motivate the participants to take a closer look at in-company training and to learn from each other and network. We will highlight funding opportunities and work with companies to develop strategies for personnel development."

Incidentally, the initial focus is on companies in the manufacturing industry, for which close cooperation with VW Commercial Vehicles is planned. Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs, is certain that networking and further training are crucial for the economic future:

"For us as an economic region, mutual learning and transparency are crucial. We have enough expertise in the Hannover Region - now we need to pool it."

In workshops, for example, entrepreneurs and companies learn how company training programs can be more flexible, faster and therefore more attractive. The offer ranges from technological content elements (e.g. robotics, 3D printing, etc.) to digital learning tools (e.g. creating learning units with digital media yourself and sharing them within the company).

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) has launched the "Continuing Education Networks" to promote in-company continuing education. This year, 39 continuing education network projects are being funded nationwide and new coordination offices are being set up. Their task is to strengthen in-company training in their region and to raise companies' awareness of the topics of digitalization and personnel development. One of these 39 projects is regioLab - it is being implemented by the newly established coordination office of the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency.