Regionale Netzwerke und Kompetenzzentren - Eine Bestandsaufnahme anhand des Beispiels "Netzwerk Umwelttechnik"

This master thesis deals with general and regional networks and also covers the new concept of competence centers. One principal objective is the comprehensive depiction of the theoretical basics and latest findings concerning networks and regional networks. In connexion with regional networks the main emphasis is placed on the importance of the regions as well as on the relevance of innovations in networks. The main part of the work addresses the exploration of competence centers and gives an approach to a general valid definition. In addition, this analysis refers to the special characteristics and types of competence centers and deals with the distinction from networks. To give a practical example, the paper includes a description of the Competence Center for Wood Composites and Wood Chemistry. The last chapter of the work illustrates the theoretical basics mentioned above by means of a presentation of the “Netzwerk Umwelttechnik". Besides showing the history of origins, the functions, structure and objectives of this network, the focus is put on the comparison of the practical example and the relevant literature in order to find out commonalties or differences.