Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH

What Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH does

Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH (BSWG, also known as "Bergische Gesellschaft") is a publicly-owned regional economic development agency headquartered in Solingen, Germany, serving the Bergisches Städtedreieck region (Remscheid, Solingen, Wuppertal — 635,100 residents) in North Rhine-Westphalia. The GmbH is jointly owned by the three municipalities, three local Stadtsparkassen, and the Bergische IHK, with Stephan A. Vogelskamp as Managing Director since July 2016 (reappointed through 2031). The organization coordinates regional economic transformation, structural development, labor market policy implementation (via the integrated Regionalagentur, est. 2004), tourism marketing (under "Die Bergischen Drei"), and innovation programming. Shareholders, supervisory board, and management reflect public accountability rather than commercial orientation.

The portfolio spans project-based initiatives rather than commercial products, organized across five clusters: Automotive & Industry (automotiveland.nrw cluster, TRAIBER.NRW transformation strategy, cH2ance and Wasserstoff-Brücke hydrogen hubs); Smart Mobility & Digitalization (Bergisch.Smart_Mobility at ~€24M total project volume, change.hub for sensitive robotics and AI); Circular Economy (FAB Region Bergisches Städtedreieck — first German Fab City — and Urbane Produktion); Cybersecurity (NRW-Modellregion Cybersicherheit with CR14 Estonia partnership); and Labor Market & Skills (Regionalagentur programs, Bergisches Fachkräftebündnis, Maschinenbau Netzwerk Bergisch Land, tourism). Technology components include machine learning and deep learning on sensor data for flood prediction (Hochwasserwarnsystem 4.0), AI-based traffic management and autonomous on-demand mobility, and a generative AI public-engagement application ("Fabby").

The business model is non-commercial: BSWG does not generate revenue from product sales. Operations are funded by municipal contributions, state of NRW grants (notably MWIDE), and EU structural funds (EFRE, ESF) routed through specific project allocations. The go-to-market is direct stakeholder engagement — convening companies, research institutions (chiefly Bergische Universität Wuppertal), public authorities, and civil society — rather than sales channels, with brand presence maintained through the bergische-gesellschaft.de website, newsletter, press releases, trade-fair participation (Hannover Messe, polisMOBILITY), and regional events (NRW-Tag, Zukunftskonferenz Automotive).

Name

Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH

Legal name

Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH

Website

https://bergische-gesellschaft.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH (BSWG) is a publicly-owned municipal economic development agency serving the Bergisches Städtedreieck (Remscheid, Solingen, Wuppertal) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It coordinates regional transformation projects and innovation programs in automotive, mobility, hydrogen, cybersecurity, and circular economy for public funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Economic Development Services

NAICS

Public Administration (92), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (925120), Management of Companies and Enterprises (55111), Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Managing Offices (551114)

SIC

Non-Operating Establishments (9995)

akta.pro primary industry

Infrastructure Planning, Capital Programs & Project Delivery Offices (PMOs) (BPAIALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Active Transportation & Micromobility Infrastructure (Bike/Ped Networks, Shared Mobility Programs) (BPAIALAI)

Keywords

• Regional economic development
• Economic promotion services
• Innovation cluster management
• Workforce development programs
• Structural transformation projects

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH is a publicly-owned regional economic development agency serving the Bergisches Städtedreieck (Remscheid, Solingen, Wuppertal) in North Rhine-Westphalia. It coordinates a portfolio of funded projects, clusters, networks, and programs covering automotive transformation, smart mobility, circular economy, cybersecurity, labor market policy, and tourism marketing, while acting as host for the Regionalagentur.

Product overview

Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH (BSWG) is a regional economic development organization — not a traditional software product company — that manages a portfolio of project-based initiatives, networks, and programmes serving the Bergisches Städtedreieck (Remscheid, Solingen, Wuppertal). Its offering is a multi-project portfolio organized around five thematic clusters: (1) Automotive & Industry — automotiveland.nrw cluster, TRAIBER.NRW transformation strategy, cH2ance and Wasserstoffbrücke hydrogen initiatives; (2) Smart Mobility & Digitalisation — Bergisch.Smart_Mobility (AI-enabled future mobility, ~€24M project) and change.hub (sensitive robotics and AI); (3) Circular Economy & Urban Production — FAB Region Bergisches Städtedreieck (first German FAB region), Urbane Produktion, and FAB Festival; (4) Cybersecurity — NRW-Modellregion Cybersicherheit with Estonia cooperation; (5) Labour Market & Skills — Regionalagentur Bergisches Städtedreieck, Bergisches Fachkräftebündnis, Maschinenbau Netzwerk Bergisch Land, and tourism marketing (Die Bergischen Drei / BLTM). Notable AI-powered services include the Hochwasserwarnsystem 4.0 (AI flood prediction with 70+ sensors, machine learning, 3–4 cm accuracy). The organization also maintains an informational website and newsletter distribution via CleverReach, but does not offer a public API or standalone software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Die Bergischen Drei: Tourism marketing brand for the Bergisches Städtedreieck covering Remscheid, Solingen, and Wuppertal
• Bergisches Städtedreieck

Products and services

• automotiveland.nrw Cluster network initiative for the automotive and supplier industry in NRW; coordinates projects such as TRAIBER.NRW, cH2ance, and Zukunftskonferenz Automotive, and facilitates international cooperation including the German-Chinese Automotive Congress.
• Bergisch.Smart_Mobility Smart mobility project with four sub-projects covering AI-based traffic management, on-demand mobility services, smart driving in quartiers, and rethinking mobility; partners include APTIV, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, WSW mobil, and Neue Effizienz GmbH.
• FAB Region Bergisches Städtedreieck First German FAB region applying the global Fab City circular-economy approach; links local innovation sites such as Gut Einern (Wuppertal), Gründerschmiede Remscheid, and Gläserne Werkstatt Solingen with enterprises, citizens, and science.
• Urbane Produktion im Bergischen Städtedreieck Programme developing spaces and cooperative sub-projects for regional production, repair, and circular economy within city centres across the Bergisches Städtedreieck.
• change.hub – Sensitive Robotik und KI Project focused on automation of manufacturing processes using sensitive robotics and AI for metal-processing companies in the Bergisches Städtedreieck, run jointly with Bergische Universität Wuppertal.
• Bergisches Hochwassermeldesystem 4.0 AI-powered flood warning service using machine learning and deep learning on data from 70+ sensors along the Wupper river system, predicting flood events with 3–4 cm accuracy and a 2-hour forecast window.
• TRAIBER.NRW Transformation strategy coordinating automotive suppliers' responses to electrification, new technologies, and global supply chain shifts in the Bergisches Städtedreieck.
• Maschinenbau Netzwerk Bergisch Land Industry network of around 35 machinery manufacturers plus Bergische Universität Wuppertal, organising knowledge exchange, networking events, and joint initiatives.
• Die Bergischen Drei / Bergisches Land Tourismus Marketing e.V. Tourism marketing association for the Bergisches Land promoting hiking (including 'Der Bergische Weg' rated Germany's most beautiful hiking trail 2024), cycling, industrial heritage, and outdoor activities.
• NRW-Modellregion Cybersicherheit Bergisches Land Cybersecurity initiative under the NRW 'Wirtschaft.Digital.Sicher' programme, combining penetration testing, security simulations, and SME cyber resilience support, including cooperation with the Estonian CR14 Foundation.
• Bergisches Fachkräftebündnis Regional workforce alliance of labour-market actors, employers, job centres, and educational institutions, coordinating international-professional matching, employer recruitment events, and inclusion initiatives to address skilled labour shortages.
• Regionalagentur Bergisches Städtedreieck One of 16 regional agencies in NRW implementing state labour market policy; coordinates ESF-funded programmes, the Fachkräfteoffensive NRW, the KAUSA-Landesstelle NRW, part-time apprenticeship support, and the Bergische Weiterbildungsmesse.
• cH2ance / Wasserstoffbrücke National transformation hub for hydrogen drives and components in the automotive and supplier industry, coordinating congresses, workshops, and the annual Hydrogen Summit for regional hydrogen-network stakeholders.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CR14 Foundation (Estonia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2025Cooperation agreement signed under presence of Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna for cybersecurity collaboration. CR14 Foundation organizes knowledge transfer between public and private actors in cybersecurity research and development, including penetration testing services. Partnership supports the 'Modellregion Cybersicherheit Bergisches Land' project to enhance cyber resilience of SMEs and critical infrastructure.
• automotiveland.nrw e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive cluster network focused on transformation of automotive and supplier industry in NRW. BSWG collaborates on TRAIBER.NRW transformation strategy, cH2ance hydrogen projects, and Zukunftskonferenz Automotive events.
• Bergische Universität WuppertalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner involved in multiple projects including Bergisch.Smart_Mobility, change.hub robotics project, and Hochwasserwarnsystem 4.0. University provides research expertise in technologies and management of digital transformation.
• APTIV Services Deutschland GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner in Bergisch.Smart_Mobility project contributing to smart vehicle and on-demand services development.
• WSW mobil GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal mobility provider partner in Bergisch.Smart_Mobility project, contributing practical expertise in public transportation and mobility solutions.
• Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational think tank partner in FAB Region Bergisches Städtedreieck project, supporting circular economy transformation and sustainable production initiatives.
• Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt und EnergiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institute partner in FAB Region project, contributing expertise in climate, environment, and energy sustainability.
• Institut Arbeit und Technik (IAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in FAB Region project focused on work and technology studies supporting regional economic transformation.
• Start-up Center Bergische Universität WuppertalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup support partner in FAB Region project, contributing to entrepreneurial ecosystem development in the region.
• Deutsch-Israelische Wirtschaftsvereinigung e.V. (DIW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic cooperation agreement signed to build connections between companies, startups, research institutions, and organizations in NRW and Israel, focusing on mobility innovation and internationalization.
• cH2ance (Nationaler Transformations-Hub für Wasserstoffantriebe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal project network for hydrogen propulsion with automotiveland.nrw as partner. Includes hydrogen innovation clusters, research institutions, and automotive networks. Organized over 6 congresses and 20+ workshops on hydrogen technology.
• Wasserstoff-BrückecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional hydrogen network including IHK Arnsberg-Hagen, economic development agencies from Hagen, Märkischer Kreis, Ennepe-Ruhr, and Bergisches Land. Organizes annual hydrogen summits since 2021.
• regionen.NRWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of 9 regional development organizations in NRW including Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft, enabling coordinated positioning toward state government and EU. Active since 2013.
• China International Investment Promotion Agency (CIIPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChinese partner organization (affiliated with Ministry of Commerce) in annual German-Chinese Automotive Congress. Partner since 2017, facilitating exchange on automotive technology trends and bilateral cooperation.
• WupperverbandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater management association partner in Hochwasserwarnsystem 4.0 project, providing expertise in water levels and watershed management along the Wupper river system.
• Heinz Berger Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal industrial company that initiated the Hochwasserwarnsystem 4.0 project after suffering 3 million euro flood damage in 2021. Key partner in demonstrating AI-based flood warning technology.
• Bergische IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of commerce partner in workforce development, vocational training programs, and economic development initiatives. Represented in Aufsichtsrat and various project committees.
• Bergisches FachkräftebündniscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional skills alliance established 2011 including labor market actors, employers, job centers, and educational institutions. Coordinated by Regionalagentur to address skilled labor shortage.
• Stadtsparkassen (Remscheid, Solingen, Wuppertal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree local savings banks as shareholders in BSWG, contributing to regional economic development and represented in Aufsichtsrat governance.
• Kompetenzcampus Technik und Wirtschaft im Bergischen Land (BZI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational training center hosting Zukunftskonferenz Automotive and providing workshop facilities for automotive industry events and qualification programs.
• Bergisches Land Tourismus Marketing e.V. (BLTM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional tourism marketing organization managing 'Die Bergischen Drei' tourism brand. BSWG staff serves on board; BLTM promotes hiking, cycling, and tourism in the region.
• Bergische IHK / Wuppertaler StadtwerkecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners in Hochwasserwarnsystem 4.0 project contributing to regional flood warning infrastructure development.
• Gut Einern (Wuppertal)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation location in FAB Region project featuring vertical farm, permaculture farm, and sustainability demonstration sites. Model location for circular economy education.
• Gründerschmiede RemscheidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup hub in FAB Region project, contributing entrepreneurial support and regional development expertise. Major contributor to startup culture in Remscheid.
• Gläserne Werkstatt SolingencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation workshop and maker space in FAB Region project, enabling open manufacturing, repair, and sustainable production activities. Developed through 'Urbane Produktion' initiative.
• HZwo e.V. (Chemnitz)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydrogen innovation cluster partner in cH2ance project, contributing to national hydrogen technology transfer network.
• ZBT Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen-Technik GmbH (Duisburg)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuel cell technology research center partner in cH2ance project, providing technical expertise in hydrogen fuel cell systems.
• AMZ Sachsen (Automobilnetzwerk)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive network partner in cH2ance hydrogen project, contributing to inter-regional knowledge exchange on hydrogen mobility.
• AVL Schrick (Remscheid)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive technology company demonstrating hydrogen development, simulation, and testing capabilities at hydrogen summits.

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Zweckverband Münsterland: Inter-municipal regional development body for the Münsterland region in NRW. Comparable to BSWG as a publicly-funded regional coordination entity within the regionen.NRW network, focusing on economic development, tourism, and structural transformation.
• Wirtschaftsförderung Dortmund: City-level economic development agency for Dortmund operating under a comparable public GmbH model. Comparable to BSWG in mandate (business attraction, transformation support) but with a single-city scope and larger industrial base.
• Ostwestfalen-Lippe GmbH: Regional development and marketing agency for the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region in NRW. Closely comparable to BSWG in mandate, structure, and membership in the regionen.NRW network, serving as a sibling regional Wirtschaftsförderung.
• AGIT mbH (Aachener Gesellschaft für Innovation und Technologietransfer): Economic development agency for the Aachen region in NRW. Comparable to BSWG in delivering technology-transfer and innovation-support services to regional SMEs, with similar public-shareholder governance.
• Metropolregion Rheinland GmbH: Cross-municipal economic and regional development entity in the Rhineland. Comparable to BSWG as a publicly-owned GmbH coordinating cross-municipal economic development across multiple cities in NRW.

Broad incumbents

• Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH: Public-private economic development agency for Berlin. Comparable to BSWG as a publicly-backed Wirtschaftsförderung, but with a much larger scale, broader sector portfolio, and dedicated inward-investment mandate.
• NRW.Invest: State-level investment and marketing agency for North Rhine-Westphalia. Comparable to BSWG in economic-development mandate but operates at the entire-state level with a broader portfolio and larger budget, often interfacing with sub-regional agencies like BSWG.
• Hessen Trade & Invest GmbH: State-level economic development corporation for Hessen. Comparable to BSWG in serving as a publicly-funded Wirtschaftsförderung entity but with a federal-state scope, broader thematic coverage, and a substantially larger operating budget.

Others

• IHK Arnsberg-Hagen (Industrie- und Handelskammer): Regional Chamber of Commerce serving south-eastern NRW, including co-membership with BSWG in the Wasserstoffbrücke network. Comparable as a regional business-support and policy-coordination body but with a mandatory-membership chamber model rather than project-funded GmbH.
• Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie: Research institute partner in BSWG's FAB Region Bergisches Städtedreieck project. Comparable to BSWG as a Bergisches Städtedreieck-based stakeholder in regional sustainability and circular-economy initiatives, but operating as a research institute rather than an economic development agency.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BergischeGesellschaft
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bergische-struktur-und-wirtschaftsf%C3%B6rderungsgesellschaft-mbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH