The region Hochrhein-Bodensee counts about 671,000 inhabitants and is characterized by intensive relationships with neighbouring regions in France, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein, both economically and with regard to research and university cooperations. This is also expressed in the region’s cross-border cooperation in the Trinational Eurodistrict Basel (TEB) and the quadrangle of Lake Constance.
The region Hochrhein-Bodensee with the districts of Lörrach, Waldshut and Constance covers a territory of about 2,756 square kilometres and counts about 671,000 inhabitants. The region's specialisation is shaped by the two growth poles of the Trinational Eurodistrict Basel (TEB) and the quadrangle of Lake Constance (VLRB) with head office in Constance. The region's fundamental feature are the intensive relationships with the neighbouring regions in France, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein that are characterized by economic links (e. g. clusters) as well as by research and university cooperations.
A close cooperation can be found in the districts of Waldshut and Lörrach along the Upper Rhine. For the district of Constance, partnerships within the quadrangle of Lake Constance are of major relevance. Whereby, the regional clusters are also working together at transnational level. The cluster initiative Bodensee (CLIB) is hereby considered as shared platform for the regional clusters.
The innovative strength of the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and the biotechnology sector are of particular note. Compared to Baden-Wuerttemberg as a whole, the economy of the Hochrhein-Bodensee region is likewise characterized by a strong manufacturing and service sector.
However, business activities in the field of corporate services account for a smaller share compared to the average of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
The most important industries include (by the number of jobs liable for social insurance contributions excluding commerce, the construction and the public sector):
Compared to the other districts, the innovative strength of the Hochrhein-Bodensee region clearly occupies a lower middle ranking. Nevertheless, innovation activities have developed slightly above average.
Innovation Index of the region* | ||
---|---|---|
Overall index | 26,5 % | federal state 38,8 % |
| 22,8 % | federal state 36,5 % |
| 37,6 % | federal state 45,8 % |
Share of the employment in the different sectors** | ||
---|---|---|
Manufactoring | 33,7 % | federal state 36,2 % |
Services | 65,5 % | federal state 63,3 % |
| 1606 % | federal state 13,3 % |
| 10,2 % | federal state 12,5 % |
| 3,6 % | federal state 4,1 % |
*Statistical State Office of Baden-Wuerttemberg 2015
**Statistic of Employment of the Federal Employment Agency 2015