Saxony-Anhalt presents itself in the heart of Europe as a dynamic business location with optimal conditions for sustainable growth and innovation. The close connection between industry, science and research strengthens sectors such as mechanical engineering, the food industry, chemicals, life sciences, cleantech and microelectronics. Numerous technology parks and innovation centers promote competitiveness and offer companies an investment-friendly environment with excellent transport connections and qualified specialists. In addition to its innovative strength, the state impresses with its high quality of life, attractive living spaces and affordable housing, which retain skilled workers in the long term. Extensive funding programs support investment, innovation and growth. Saxony-Anhalt stands for strong clusters, diverse opportunities and a location with a future.
HERE is where the world invests.
Saxony-Anhalt's economic structure is essentially characterized by the close interlinking of business and science. As a result, future-oriented developments quickly reach production maturity. Since 1990, the central German state has enjoyed a steady economic recovery, while at the same time developing into a pioneer of economic transformation.
Saxony-Anhalt is currently undergoing a far-reaching process of structural change that is transforming existing industries and entire markets. In order to achieve the ambitious goal of climate neutrality, innovative solutions for CO2 reduction are required, particularly in energy-intensive industries, for example through the use of green hydrogen. In view of climate change and the looming shortage of raw materials, the energy and resource transition is becoming increasingly important.
Digitalization is causing established industries to change and new economic sectors to emerge. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of the economy and society Saxony-Anhalt is particularly affected by these disruptive developments: In addition to the structural change associated with the energy transition, demographic change is also presenting the state with major challenges, especially in rural regions. In addition, the state's economy is characterized by small and medium-sized enterprises, which often do not have the necessary resources and skills to use the upcoming transformation processes as an opportunity.
The particular challenges in Saxony-Anhalt make the state an experimental space for transformative solutions that have the potential to have an impact beyond the state's borders. Saxony-Anhalt therefore has the potential to establish itself as a center of sustainable, resilient and social renewal in the heart of Europe. The state has set itself the goal of improving its position in the innovation comparison of European regions in the European Union's Regional Innovation Scoreboard by 2027 and moving up into the group of "strong innovators".
As in the previous innovation strategy, the state will focus its funding activities on the lead markets "Energy, mechanical and plant engineering, resource efficiency", "Health and medicine", "Mobility and logistics", "Chemistry and bioeconomy" and "Food and agriculture". These lead markets continue to represent the areas of specialization of Saxony-Anhalt's economy. The previous cross-sectional areas of "information and communication technologies", "key technologies" and "creative and media industries" will also continue to be taken into account when setting priorities.
Over the last few years, further topics have emerged that provide particular impetus within the key technologies. These are "green hydrogen" on the one hand and "lightweight construction" and "algae biotechnology" on the other, which are of particular importance for Saxony-Anhalt.
Advantage Saxony-Anhalt
Top locations
HERE is space for big plans.
Saxony-Anhalt not only offers space on the map, but also scope for ideas, investment and growth. A business location that combines dynamism, short distances and reliable partners - ideal for thinking big and successfully implementing visions.
Industry diversity in Saxony-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt is a business location with profile and prospects. HERE, companies will find a closely networked industry ecosystem that combines innovative strength, expertise and sustainability. Established SMEs, international corporations and technology-driven start-ups - marketable solutions for the challenges of tomorrow are created HERE.
Location database
Space for big plans. Saxony-Anhalt offers excellent commercial, industrial and office space.
Centers of excellence Saxony-Anhalt
HERE is where business meets science.
HERE we are already thinking about tomorrow today. Saxony-Anhalt and innovation don't go together? That cliché is a thing of the past. Anyone looking at the world of tomorrow today cannot ignore our federal state.
HERE we are building on tradition. HERE, self-confidence is lived anew and we look to the future. HERE is where products used worldwide are created. HERE is where researchers develop internationally sought-after innovations. HERE is where people work, live and love who don't want to leave.
And HERE, thirteen locations with great potential bear the name that sets the direction. Science, research and business are concentrated in our future-oriented locations. Key players are active HERE. Our future locations have no borders. They are open to ideas, innovations and investments. They are growing.
Facts, figures and data
HERE the framework conditions count. Saxony-Anhalt scores with an efficient infrastructure, excellent research and an innovative economy. These factors create the foundation for sustainable growth and strong competitiveness. HERE is an overview of the strengths and potential of the business location.
HERE you can see the location in detail.
Saxony-Anhalt offers stable economic structures and a business-friendly environment. The location is characterized by close links between business, science and administration. Continuous investment in innovation and infrastructure strengthens the state's future viability. HERE is important information.
km² Total area
million inhabitants
% growth in GDP in 2023
- Capital: Magdeburg
- Independent cities: Magdeburg, Halle (Saale), Dessau-Roßlau
- Altmarkkreis Salzwedel
- Anhalt-Bitterfeld
- Börde
- Burgenland district
- Harz Mountains
- Jerichower Land
- Mansfeld-South Harz
- Saale district
- Salzland district
- Stendal
- Wittenberg
Perfect connections for dynamic markets.
With direct access to over 500 million consumers and partners in the European Union, Saxony-Anhalt is a central transportation hub between Eastern and Western Europe. Whether by road, rail, water or air - companies benefit from efficient logistics routes and fast connections to the most important markets. This infrastructure not only ensures smooth supply chains, but also gives companies a sustainable boost.
- A 2 Dortmund - Magdeburg - Berlin
- A 9 Munich - Dessau - Berlin
- A 14 Dresden - Halle - Magdeburg
- A 38 Kassel - Halle - Leipzig
- A 36 Braunschweig - Bernburg
- A 71 Sangerhausen - Erfurt - Schweinfurt
- A 143 Halle North junction - Halle South junction
- Leipzig/Halle with 24/7 operation for cargo flights
- 600 km of navigable inland waterways and 18 ports/transhipment points
- Almost 2,000 km of DB Netz AG rail network and 1,115 km of non-federally owned railroads
HERE knowledge grows.
In Saxony-Anhalt, universities, research institutions and companies are working hand in hand on the solutions of the future. Whether cutting-edge technology, applied research or creative start-ups - the location offers ideal conditions for innovation and knowledge transfer.
Universities
Universities
R&D facilities
- Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle (Saale)
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Harz University of Applied Sciences
- Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences
- Merseburg University of Applied Sciences
- Friedensau University of Theology
- Protestant University of Church Music Halle an der Saale
- Police University of Applied Sciences
- Steinbeis University (private university)
Fraunhofer Institutes in Saxony-Anhalt
- Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (IFF)
- Center for Economics and Management of Technologies (CEM)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy Development Branch (MWT)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Center for Natural Product-Based Therapeutics (ZNT)
- Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes (CBP)
Leibniz Institutes in Saxony-Anhalt
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB)
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
- Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (IWH)
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN)
- Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)
Max Planck Institutes in Saxony-Anhalt
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems
- Max Planck Institute for Ethnological Research
- Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics
Centers of the Helmholtz Association in Saxony-Anhalt