Dynamic transformation of the economy through digitalization

Where coal-fired power plants disappear and coal is no longer mined, there is a lack of jobs – for the population in the countryside and in the conurbations. At the same time, there are many areas with undiscovered power reserves that need to be tracked down. – This is the situation in southern Saxony-Anhalt, i.e. in the Burgenlandkreis and Saalekreis, in the city of Halle (Saale), as well as in the districts of Anhalt-Bitterfeld and Mansfeld-Südharz, with a view to the nationwide coal phase-out, which must be implemented by law by 2038 at the latest. With the help of structural change, Saxony-Anhalt should continue to be an attractive business location with modern jobs and a place worth living in 20 years.

Climate change is also an increasing cause for concern: drought or flooding – unpredictable natural phenomena and extreme weather events could make it more difficult to ensure the supply of affordable food products to the population in sufficient quantities in the future. For several years now, research has been carried out into ways to effectively counteract climate change. So far, not with the desired success. The first consequences of the changed climate conditions are now also becoming apparent for agriculture in Saxony-Anhalt.

Technological progress has great potential to offer at this point. There are many opportunities for new starting points. By using digitalisation, many areas of agriculture, cultivation and harvesting, but also in the areas of breeding, crop rotation and fertilisation, can be optimised and developed in the coming years, which will create new needs and result in new business areas and jobs.