Begleitende Evaluierung des Investitionsgesetzes Kohleregionen (InvKG) und des STARK-Bundesprogramms: Zwischenbericht 2025
Gutachten im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Energie
The findings of the current third report of the evaluation can be summarised as follows. More than four years after the InvKG came into force, both approvals and cash outflows, which are an indicator of the implementation status of projects, have increased (data as at 31 December 2024). However, the pace of project implementation is slow. Although the ratio of funds disbursed to date in relation to approved funds has increased, it remains at a low level. Evaluations of the measures under the first pillar show that the four lignite-producing states are focusing on improving location conditions for businesses. This funding situation is particularly pronounced in Saxony-Anhalt. The states of Brandenburg, Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia are also focusing their funding measures on education and research and development. Improving accessibility plays a major role in the states of Brandenburg and in the Saxon part of the Central German mining area. The high proportion of funds approved in Rheinisches Revier for projects in the areas of climate protection and sustainability is also striking. The evaluations of the measures under the second pillar confirm the continuing dominance of projects aimed at improving accessibility and strengthening research and development capacities (in Brandenburg, there are also projects in the fields of education and health). The STARK federal programme, which represents a special funding line under the second pillar (Section 15 InvKG), shows that approvals have increased and processing times for applications have been significantly reduced. While STARK funds were initially used primarily to build up planning capacities, there is now a shift towards projects in the field of research and development. In addition, a large volume of funds is earmarked for projects to improve location conditions for businesses and to strengthen social capital.
Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle (IWH)
DOI: 10.18717/sy6dd-ns70