As the proud host of the EIT CC headquarters, Cologne views creativity as a force for green and digital transformation. We focus on games, film and design, with an emphasis on AI and XR.
What inspired your organisation to become part of EIT Culture & Creativity?
What expectations do you hold for this collaboration?
“Our organisation was inspired to join the EIT Culture & Creativity (EIT CC) initiative because it also originated from regional actors. Thus, our involvement in this project was a natural fit. The city of Cologne has traditionally been a stronghold of creative forces and continues to grow and prosper. We see our participation in EIT CC as an opportunity to strengthen the knowledge triangle of education, innovation and business in Cologne. We firmly believe in the power of collaboration and are convinced that EIT CC can create real added value for the creative industries in Cologne and Europe.”
The Ecosystem
“In the cultural and creative economy, competition is an important principle, however cooperation is absolutely vital, especially in a sector characterised also by small enterprises. A key element for the success of the EIT C&C is a fundamentally open, cooperative attitude among all participants. This should include both a focus on open collaboration and even public interest on the one hand and opportunity-seeking entrepreneurial self-interest on the other. It’s essential that as many partners as possible adopt this general attitude in order to create an ecosystem that supports both individual and collective goals”
A Single Groundbreaking Innovation
“The most impressive groundbreaking innovation originating from Cologne in the last years is the fabulous AI driven translator DeepL – a front runner in language technology for years. Solely focused and devoted to their main product family, DeepL is breaking language barriers in written communication and is helping millions of professional clients to improve their communication daily. Its international success, its strong emphasis on quality and its skyrocketing evaluation is an inspiration to Cologne’s start-up community.”
Our Alignment
“Our organisation is dedicated to the consistent development of digital and sustainable economic development. This includes the promotion of innovation and the creation of a favourable start-up climate that supports and encourages growth. Our core mission and values are aimed at building a robust, forward-looking economic structure that is both digitally advanced and environmentally conscious.”
The Unique Selling Proposition
“Our organisation is uniquely positioned within Cologne’s cultural and creative industries. As the only company with a comprehensive overview of this sector in Cologne, we have in-depth knowledge and unparalleled expertise. This has enabled us to build a skilled network within the city, as well as connect and reach beyond its borders.
Our understanding of the local cultural and creative scene, combined with our extensive network, allows us to create tailored connections and collaborations that are invaluable to both established companies and emerging start-ups. This ability to build and maintain effective and focused networks is a key aspect that sets us apart from other organisations in the industry. We not only promote, but facilitate business opportunities at the heart of Cologne’s culture and creative economy.”
A Success Story
“Welcoming and hosting the EIT CC headquarters in Cologne is certainly a success story for us. But there is more: recently, we have tapped into a European co-funded project called KOMPASS. which allows us to advise creative entrepreneurs on professional training and help them attain access to funding on a larger scale. And this summer we are celebrating the opening of machwerkhaus, a 20 000 square meter campus for urban production and design that will boost cross-innovation and business opportunities for Cologne’s creative industries.”
Key Future Initiatives
“There is a lot going on, especially in the areas of games, film and design. We will be announcing some of our future plans at our annual Twin Peaks conference at the end of October, so stay tuned.”
Soundtrack
“Cologne, with its deep love for the city and the legendary carnival, is more than just a place – it’s a feeling, as they say. Songs sung in the hearty Cologne dialect pulse with this emotion. So does “Et jitt kein Wood” (“I can’t find a word”) from Cat Ballou.”
Other words on your organisation we have not asked about yet…
“As the economic development agency of Cologne we offer professional services for companies of all sizes and branches interested in cooperation. From the soft landing program of our Start-Up Unit to our International Desk reaching out at trade fairs worldwide, we are your first point of contact for possible activities in the Cologne region.”
About EIT Culture & Creativity
EIT Culture & Creativity is the ninth Innovation Community by the European Institute of Innovation and Technfology (EIT), a body of the European Union. It is designed to strengthen and transform Europe’s Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) by connecting creatives and organisations to Europe’s largest innovation network. It takes a holistic and open approach to innovation – from tech to artistic driven innovations, from business to citizen driven – and reinforces the appreciation and anchoring of European values and identities. EIT Culture & Creativity will unlock latent value from a multitude of small CCSI stakeholders through technology transfer, improved cross-sectoral collaboration and their effective integration in production value networks. EIT Culture & Creativity will support technology and business innovation; artistic innovation and social innovation. It will also harness the unique position of the CCSI to facilitate the Triple Transitions in Europe – green, digital and social.
About The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
The EIT is Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem bringing together close to 3,000 partners from top business, research and education organisations across Europe in over 80 innovation hubs. The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, composed of leading companies, research labs and universities each dedicated to solving a pressing global challenge, from climate change to health, to renewable energy.
