StadtFABrik
Why does hardly any industrial production take place in a city center? The StadtFABrik takes a look at the question of whether urban production makes sense and what challenges and opportunities exist here.
Schweinfurt's city center - like many other city centers - is undergoing massive structural change, and its importance as a central shopping location continues to decline. As a result, vacancies are increasing in retail stores in prime locations and on upper/second floors.
At the same time, Schweinfurt as an industrial city is undergoing a significant transformation process that relies in particular on new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. This opens up new opportunities in the urban area and in the city center for the establishment of innovative companies in low-emission urban production, e.g., hybrid forms of production of Industry 4.0 and industries such as nanotechnology, medical technology and small-scale mechanical engineering, as well as information and communications technology and creative industries.
In the "StadtFABrik" sub-project, a feasibility study will be conducted on the suitability of Schweinfurt's city center for the location of urban production.The feasibility study is intended to make a statement on suitability and also provide initial indications. The long-term goal is to reduce vacancies, especially on the upper floors, by attracting urban production. Furthermore, an implementation concept is to be created that includes necessary adaptation and settlement measures. As a final step, a real laboratory will be set up and accompanied. We see the areas of 3D printing, reallabs and manufacturing small businesses with a focus on social, economic and ecological sustainability as suitable manufacturing sectors.