MoLeWa: Leipzig Automotive Transformation Network – Driving Innovation & Sustainability
About this good practice
The automotive industry is a key economic sector in the Leipzig region, employing around 20,000 people. The MoLeWa initiative, launched on the 1st of July 2022, is one of 27 transformation networks funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). It drives systemic change through multi-stakeholder collaboration and strategic infrastructure development to ensure regional sustainability. MoLeWa supports the transition of the automotive and related industries by addressing challenges such as electrification, digitalisation, workforce development, and environmental compliance.
Led by a consortium including stakeholders from politics, economy, education, unions, the automotive industry and mobility transformation, the initiative fosters dialogue and innovation through workshops, forums, and collaborative projects. A key focus is intermodal mobility—transforming not only the industry but also how people move. Events and discussions link actors, share knowledge, analyse commuter patterns, and explore sustainable alternatives and additions to car use.
Policymakers can draw lessons from MoLeWa’s cross-sectoral cooperation on carbon neutrality, circular economy, digitalisation, and mobility. The initiative highlights regional development potential and supports tailored strategies co-created with industry actors. Ongoing support is crucial to scale impact and embed transformation across the region.
Resources needed
The consortium of public and private partners, funded by Germany’s economy ministry with nearly €6M, brings together experts from research, unions, innovation, and education. Mainly personnel resources are needed, plus funds for events, workshops, and third-party services (e.g. studies and PR).
Evidence of success
The MoLeWa project shows positive momentum by identifying regional areas for improvement and recommending actions. For example, it revealed the need for better workforce planning and digital investment and immediately proposed solutions, fostering stronger collaboration between business and research to support Leipzig’s sustainable transformation. A clear success indicator for intermodal mobility is not yet available, as it is just one of many focus areas.
Potential for learning or transfer
MoLeWa offers a scalable model for industrial transformation and sustainable mobility, rooted in strong regional cooperation. It emphasises inclusive, evidence-based planning, involving stakeholders in shaping strategies, identifying needs, and designing solutions for workforce upskilling, CO₂ neutrality, circular economy, and digitalisation. This collaborative, cross-sector approach—aligned with both national and international best practices—provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to improve public policy. Through regular dialogue, shared governance, and targeted policy engagement, MoLeWa strengthens regional innovation. While challenges such as political support and infrastructure readiness may affect transferability, regions with similar goals can adapt Leipzig’s model to foster sustainable mobility ecosystems and inform regional development strategies.
Further information
Documents
Study Automotive Industry Eastern Germany
Website
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