Bremen’s Innovation Policy

Already in the early 1980s, city officials realised the challenge of structural change for Bremen. It was at this point that decisions were made to initiate a profound ‘change of direction’ in the economic focus of the city (Warsewa, 2006). In the past, Bremen’s economic fortunes had been linked closely to its harbour. The plan was to strengthen other activities seen as more adapted to the economic requirements of the present and future. Through the accompanying strategy it was intended to transform Bremen from a ‘harbour city’ to a modern ‘city of science’. Hence, in contrast to our other European case studies which were directed towards ... policy of strengthening its scientific base with the university at its core. The city-state decided to fund new economic activities identified as future areas of expansion and to build on strengths in existing sectors such as aerospace and aircraft industries, car production, maritime services and logistics. Two successive well-funded programmes were key to the strategy’s implementation: 1) ‘Economic Policy Action Programme’ (WAP, 1984); and 2) the ‘Special Investment Programme’ (ISP, 1994).[...]