Structural change 2.0: the Ruhr area on the way to a knowledge-based economy

Following the transition from mining and industry to a service-driven economy, the Ruhr area now faces the challenge of another transition, that towards a knowledge-based economy. This article assesses the region’s endowment with universities and research organizations as critical preconditions as well as the state of development of the Ruhr area’s knowledge-based economy. The results indicate how central challenges can be overcome to facilitate knowledge-based economic development in the Ruhr area. © 2019, Deutscher Verband für Angewandte Geographie (DVAG).