Our cooperative members are the foundation of the AI Alliance. Together, we combine expertise, innovation and strong networks to actively shape the future of artificial intelligence. In our "Our Cooperatives" series, we introduce Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS).
At the heart of one of the strongest economies in Europe, Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS) has been working to strengthen the Stuttgart Region as a location for business and innovation since 1995. WRS offers far more than traditional location promotion: it is a driver of innovation and transformation.
Impetus for an AI-driven future
Whether digitalization, sustainable mobility or creative industries, whether start-ups or established companies - WRS initiates and networks, supports change and drives ideas forward. The focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises - the backbone of the Stuttgart Region. The WRS is particularly committed to the field of artificial intelligence. "AI must be made usable for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular," emphasizes Michael Kaiser. "We want to make the Stuttgart Region known as a hotspot for applied AI, help shape it and make it fit for the future - together with the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance."
A strong AI innovation network
The decision to found the AI Alliance together with partners was therefore a logical one for WRS: "Our aim is to strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of our region," says Michael Kaiser. "The collaboration with and in the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance enables us to make the potential of artificial intelligence accessible to companies and institutions in the Stuttgart region with a strong AI innovation network of science, business, politics and public administration."
It is clear to WRS that artificial intelligence is a tool for value creation, for new business models and for securing the future of small and medium-sized enterprises. "As an economic development agency, we bring concrete needs from business practice to the AI Alliance," says Michael Kaiser. "At the same time, we are in close contact with research and science, recognize relevant developments in the industry at an early stage and provide appropriate impetus. The future is created where knowledge is shared. Baden-Württemberg will only be able to continue to play a leading role in global competition if it succeeds in networking relevant players."
AI as a future factor for the entire Stuttgart region
For Michael Kaiser, there is no question that AI is a key to competitiveness. He emphasizes: "Artificial intelligence is a key technology that is revolutionizing almost all industries.
This assessment also shapes the strategic orientation of the WRS: The Stuttgart Region with its industrial diversity - from mechanical engineering and automotive to IT and creative industries - offers the best conditions not only to research AI, but also to help shape its development and application.
Network. Support. Enable.
Workshops, innovation dialogs, impulse formats: With events throughout the Stuttgart Region, WRS is bringing artificial intelligence to life together with the AI Alliance.
In cooperation with the Verband Region Stuttgart, WRS also provides funding for pioneering AI projects and infrastructures.
Anyone who wants to actively shape change will find a strong partner with a clear focus in WRS: leveraging potential, initiating innovations, promoting networking and exchange in order to secure the future - for the Stuttgart Region and far beyond.
If you are interested, you should definitely check out this link.
Many thanks to Michael Kaiser for his collaboration on this article!
Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation
Contact: info@region-stuttgart.de
wrs.region-stuttgart.de
About Michael Kaiser
Michael Kaiser has been Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS) since 2023. He is also Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Gigabit Region Stuttgart GmbH, BioRegio STERN GmbH and Film- und Medienfestvial gGmbH and is one of the board members of the KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg.
Before joining WRS, Michael Kaiser was Director of Economic Development for the City of Karlsruhe for many years. He is a qualified industrial clerk and geographer.