European Business Leaders Favor Germany and the Rhine Region as Prime Destinations for International Expansion
The Rhine Region, situated in western Germany, is rapidly emerging as an attractive destination for international companies seeking to invest in technology and sustainable business sectors. A recent survey commissioned by NRW.Global Business, the state-owned foreign trade promotion agency of North Rhine-Westphalia, reveals that 70% of Dutch decision-makers find Germany an appealing investment destination, with the Rhine Region being particularly appealing to these decision-makers [1].
The survey, conducted between May 12th and 20th, 2025, was based on online interviews with business decision-makers from the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The results showed that Germany is considered very or rather attractive for investments by 74% of Swiss decision-makers and 72% of British decision-makers [1]. Moreover, 84% of respondents from Switzerland and the United Kingdom find the Rhine Region attractive, while 56% of respondents from the Netherlands do [1].
Jochen Pollotzek, General Manager Rhine Region at NRW.Global Business, states that the Rhine Region offers foreign companies optimal conditions for growth and innovation. The region is centrally located in Europe with state-of-the-art infrastructure, access to skilled workers, and a strong focus on future technologies [1].
One of the key factors that make the Rhine Region an attractive destination is its concentration of skilled STEM talent. The region benefits from one of Europe's most densely packed networks of STEM professionals and students. For example, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), a central part of the Rhine Region, trains nearly 200,000 engineering students annually, including more than 38,000 graduates in STEM fields [1].
The Rhine Region is also at the forefront of sustainability and green innovation. Major initiatives like the "Brainergy Park" support startups and companies in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and green technologies, fostering collaboration between German and international firms and supporting tech commercialization [1].
Strategic resource development and industrial transition are also key strengths of the Rhine Region. The Upper Rhine Valley in the Rhine Region hosts Europe’s largest lithium resources, critical for batteries and clean tech industries. Germany has invested heavily to develop domestic zero-carbon lithium production facilities within this region, strengthening regional supply chains, reducing dependency on imports, and supporting the growth of high-skilled jobs in engineering, chemical processing, and technical operations [2][4].
The Rhine Region's robust industrial ecosystem and infrastructure further bolster its appeal. Advanced industrial parks and chemical clusters, such as Frankfurt-Höchst, reinforce its role as a center for high-tech manufacturing, advanced materials, and chemical production, attracting further investment and stimulating innovation-driven economic growth [2].
The Rhine Region's supportive economic environment is another significant factor. Germany’s substantial fiscal packages and infrastructure spending benefit the Rhine Region, enhancing regional economic robustness and growth prospects [3]. Although some other regions face trade-based challenges, the Rhine's industry diversity and government support for sustainable and high-tech sectors ensure continued attractiveness [3].
The Rhine Region has a transformation budget of 14.8 billion euros for its transition to a climate-neutral industrial hub, with the aim of becoming Europe's first climate-neutral industrial hub by 2030 [1]. NRW.Global Business is seeking to convince international companies to participate in the Rhine Region's project.
The Helmholtz Cluster Hydrogen (HC-H2) in Jülich is currently one of Germany's largest hydrogen infrastructure projects, further demonstrating the Rhine Region's commitment to sustainability [1].
For further information, please contact Phuong Anh Kitty Krause, Project Manager Marketing Rhine Region, who can be reached at +49 211 13000-501 or [email protected].
References: [1] NRW.Global Business. (2025). Rhine Region Attractive for International Companies. Retrieved from https://www.nrwglobalbusiness.com/news/rhine-region-attractive-for-international-companies [2] NRW.Global Business. (2021). Lithium Production in the Rhine Region. Retrieved from https://www.nrwglobalbusiness.com/news/lithium-production-in-the-rhine-region [3] NRW.Global Business. (2023). Economic Outlook for the Rhine Region. Retrieved from https://www.nrwglobalbusiness.com/insights/economic-outlook-for-the-rhine-region [4] Vulcan Energy. (2022). Vulcan Energy Awarded €104 Million Grant for Zero-Carbon Lithium Production. Retrieved from https://www.vulcanenergy.com/news/vulcan-energy-awarded-e104-million-grant-for-zero-carbon-lithium-production
- The Rhine Region, explicitly expressed as an attractive investment destination, is notably appealing to decision-makers from the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom for technology and sustainable business sectors, particularly in environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility.
- Jochen Pollotzek, General Manager Rhine Region at NRW.Global Business, acknowledges the optimal conditions and growth opportunities for foreign companies in the Rhine Region, plus its strong focus on future technologies, STEM talent, and sustainability.
- One of the factors that drive investment in the Rhine Region is its concentration of skilled STEM talent, which benefits from one of Europe's most densely packed networks of STEM professionals and students.
- The Rhine Region is prominent in sustainability and green innovation, with major initiatives like the "Brainergy Park" supporting companies and startups in the renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and green technologies sectors, promoting collaboration and tech commercialization.
- The strategic resource development and industrial transition in the Rhine Region, specifically its possession of Europe's largest lithium resources—critical for batteries and clean tech industries—attracts attention due to investments in zero-carbon lithium production facilities, enforcing regional supply chains, and fostering high-skilled jobs in engineering, chemical processing, and technical operations.
