Significant opportunities if barriers can be overcome

The potential for cluster partnerships, however, depends on overcoming existing barriers.

These are among the conclusions of a new study into the potential for clusters in the future Fehmarnbelt region undertaken by Christian Wichmann Matthiessen, Professor of Geography at Copenhagen University and Dr. Hayo Herrmann from Kiel University in Northern Germany.

The difference in research culture between Germany and the Øresund Region is one of the obstacles that needs to be overcome. Another difficulty to be taken into account is the geographical distance between North German clusters and those in the Øresund Region.

Professor Wichmann Matthiessen and Dr. Herrmann have studied clusters and networks as well as existing and potential cross-border links in the Fehmarnbelt region. Their conclusion is that there are particular opportunities for clusters of the same structure and focus in different parts of the future Fehmarnbelt region. If cross-border connections become stronger so will such clusters.

The clusters include groupings within the life science sector, food and information technology as well as the media sector. Broadly represented across the entire Fehmarnbelt region, the food, IT and media sectors all play important roles in the regional economies. The media, in particular, is well represented in the two metropolises of Hamburg and Copenhagen.

Other industrial sectors present in all parts of the region and benefiting from cross-border links include logistic networks and the green technology sector. Tourism is another sector that is present in all parts of the region although there are currently only a few cross-border links.

Common for these sectors is that a fixed Fehmarnbelt link will make it easier to strengthen cross-border connections. This, in turn, will lead to stronger clusters and, in some cases, a prominent European position within their respective fields.

The life science cluster has the greatest potential for reaching a top position in Europe. Life science is an important industrial sector in most parts of the region, with companies typically producing pharmaceuticals and medical devices – spanning the full spectrum from wheelchairs to hearing aids. The majority of jobs are based on technical and academic expertise. Improving cross-border connections between the already existing networks within this field would create a life science cluster with an unrivalled position in Europe.

Improved infrastructure creates stronger links
The Øresund Region boasts one of the strongest life science clusters in Europe: Medicon Valley. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is home to another life science cluster, the BioCon Valley, which has close links to life science clusters in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. The Medicon Valley and the BioCon Valley are linked via the ScanBalt network, a meta-cluster within the life sciences in the Baltic region where it functions as a coordinating platform for its members.

The networks have different and complementary priorities. When businesses within the different networks come to realise this, it will facilitate stronger links between them. Improved infrastructure will lead to an improved flow of information and stronger ties.

Dr. Heinrich Cuypers, Senior Project Manager, BioCon Valley, believes that cross-border links are the key to the creation of a stronger life science sector. He says:

"An optimal infrastructure is a prerequisite for increased cross-border exchange of personnel and goods."

According to Dr. Cuypers, however, a Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link would be particularly beneficial for companies in western Mecklenburg-Vorpommern because travelling times to their Danish and Swedish neighbours would be positively affected by a fixed link. For businesses located further to the East, the Rostock-Gedser ferry services continue to offer the shortest travelling times.

Stig Jørgensen, Medicon Valley Alliance's CEO, also believes that good infrastructure is a main factor in the development of a stronger life science sector. He emphasises, however, that infrastructure alone is not is enough:

"The opening of the Øresund Bridge facilitated commuting and gave life science firms on the Danish side opportunities for hiring skilled people from Scania," he says. "But when it comes to co-operation between firms from the opposite side of Øresund, activity remains low. Increased co-operation requires strong initiatives and energy."

Stig Jørgensen is sceptical as to how a Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link would improve partnerships between Medicon Valley and BioCon Valley because the distance between the two clusters will remain significant. He also points out that the research culture in Denmark and Sweden is more closely linked to the Anglo-Saxon research world than that of Germany and France.

These barriers are accepted by Professor Wichmann Matthiessen and his advice to decision-makers and other stakeholders in North Germany, Zealand and Scania is to mobilise:

"It's important to create a life science platform where research and the public and private sectors meet to promote research, development and marketing. For this purpose, a financially strong organisation should be set up between the parties. With regard to the long distance between the two clusters, it is important that infrastructure on both sides of the new link is improved, including fast rail links and motorways."