Significant factors for Berlin-Brandenburg's economy

Berlin as the Federal capital is not only at the centre of Germany’s political life, but also a region with an interesting economy.

Berlin’s economy is notable for a mix of long-established industrial companies, strong small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative high-tech industry. The leading branches of industry are chemicals and pharmaceuticals, foods, tobacco, metal working, electrical and general engineering, as well as transport technology.

Among companies especially focused on exports are Siemens AG Power Generation, BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, along with BORSIG GmbH.

Yet Berlin is also among Germany’s foremost cultural centres. A varied range of theatres, opera houses and concert halls as well as collections and museums of world renown make Berlin a popular travel destination for tourists from Germany and abroad, and tourism a vital factor for the economy.

Close cooperation has also existed between the states of Berlin and Brandenburg in the economic field since 2007. One example of this is the joint “automotive Berlin Brandenburg” network that involves cooperation between production facilities, research institutes and universities to promote coordination in the car manufacturing industry and to initiate joint research projects.

Brandenburg has succeeded in preserving and further developing the core of sectors traditionally located there, including the metalworking industry, aviation and space technology, as well as chemicals. In addition, it has managed to attract settlement by branches of the new economy in the environmental and bio technology field, as well as media, information and communications companies. A biotechnology park has been created in Luckenwalde, for example, with companies in the pharmaceutical industry to the fore among those making this their base.

Brandenburg is also an important location for mining (lignite) and power generation. In the rural areas of the state where two-thirds of the population live, agriculture and forestry and the related sectors are important both as a source of employment and a factor in the economy.