The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” It is this principle which, In accordance with Aristotle, determines the activities of AG Wissen, the knowledge working group of the Munich Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Without any doubt, the MMR is part of one of the most innovative knowledge-based areas in Europe and beyond. To be able to use this knowledge as a resource for actively shaping our future, we will continue to depend on a large number of “bright minds”, who can exploit and develop our local potential.
All universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions and other players in the field of education and science of our metropolitan region have joined their forces in the AG Wissen working group and made it their goal to promote the key element of knowledge for the benefit of the whole metropolitan region.
We are firmly convinced that sustainable synergies can be created by strengthening the links between all science and knowledge institutions even beyond the current level. In addition, this will help to raise the public profile of the potential existing in our metropolitan region.
To AG Wissen it is of vital importance to increase awareness among citizens of the opportunities that the factor of knowledge offers to each and every one of them. In fact, a vibrant culture of lifelong learning opens up a host of possibilities, both in the labour market and in social interaction.
A metropolitan region that unlocks its potential of knowledge creates leeway for putting ideas into practice in joint projects rather than just dreaming of doing so.
Against this background, we have so far initiated the following projects:
We commissioned an impact analysis to demonstrate the economic and social effects of the activities of all knowledge and science institutions in the Munich Metropolitan Region. The performance of the knowledge region is being documented and can be measured against international benchmarks.
An interactive information event called “Die Europäische Metropolregion München informiert – EMMi” was established, where the knowledge institutions present themselves to a broader public at annually varying venues. It gives all citizens, and pupils in particular, a realistic idea of the huge variety of possibilities available. Awards are given to exemplary cooperation projects between schools and scientific institutions.
A knowledge atlas informs on the educational levels existing in each of the MMR regions, which provides municipalities and companies with a basis for medium and long-term planning. An additional study identifies future qualification needs: By supplying information on trends and forecasts we aim to give companies an additional tool that facilitates (human resources) planning.
Furthermore, we would like to take learning offers to the centres of towns and municipalities to demonstrate the wide variety of available opportunities.
Because knowledge is fun! We would love to share this experience with you. Join us, become an ambassador of knowledge! Because together we are more than the sum of our parts.
The author, born in 1958, is the Senior Vice President Personnel and Legal Department of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Previously she headed the Munich University of Applied Sciences for eight years. A professor for HR Management, she is a member of the scientific and technical advisory board of the Bavarian government (WTB) and coordinates the activities of the knowledge working group “AG Wissen” of the Munich Metropolitan Region.
