Governance
The Ruhrgebiet
The Ruhrgebiet is home to more than 5 million people in 11 cities and 4 counties. It is one of the continent’s largest metropolitan regions. The “city of cities” thereby offers a unique environment. It combines dense conurbations, industry, urban culture and intact nature with a vibrant knowledge and innovation landscape. The Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) and its subsidiaries form an integral part of the regional governance structure. This website introduces the RVR, two of its subsidiaries and its regional campaign to raise the profile of the Ruhrgebiet.
Good to Know
The Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) and its agencies serve as a regional platform for policy deliberation. They implement key policies for the Ruhrgebiet.
Governance Structure
Ruhr Regional Association (RVR)
The Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) is an association of 11 cities and 4 counties. In 2020, the RVR celebrated its 100th anniversary. Its headquarters is located in Essen, Germany. Its main representative body is the Ruhr Parliament, whose members are directly elected. Head of the administration is the Regional Director. Together with its subsidiaries, the RVR provides a joint platform for policy deliberation and regional development.
Ruhr Parliament
The Ruhr Parliament is the general assembly of the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR). Since 2020, its 91 members are directly elected. They participate in 9 committees (i.e. Economic Committee or Planning Committee) and they sit in 6 different political groups. The Ruhr Parliament has an important function as a regional platform for policy deliberation and implementation. It enables the Ruhrgebiet to develop regional initiatives and to speak with one voice.
Subsidiaries and Campaigns
The cities and counties of the Ruhrgebiet work together to pool their strengths. They confer competencies upon the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) and its subsidiaries in areas, where goals can be better achieved at the regional level. These competencies include, for example, regional spatial planning, major infrastructure projects and the protection of the environment. The RVR relies on more than 15 subsidiaries to deliver tailor-made regional services. Two subsidiaries and the RVR's region marketing campaign are introduced below.
Economic Development
The Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH (BMR) is an economic development agency and a subsidiary of the RVR. Its task is to market and develop the Ruhrgebiet. It serves as a platform for policy deliberation and implements the economic strategy of the Ruhrgebiet. Key responsibilities include internationalisation and location marketing, site and investor service, project development in lead markets, funding and innovations as well as structural policy issues.
Tourism Marketing
The Ruhr Tourismus GmbH (RTG) is a regional tourism agency and a subsidiary of the RVR. Its task is to raise the Ruhrgebiet profile as a tourist destination. It also serves as a platform for tourism stakeholders in the Ruhrgebiet. Business priorities are the development of regional tourism concepts, marketing, product development and guided tours. Industrial heritage, urban culture and cycle tourism feature high in the region's tourism strategy.
Promoting the Ruhrgebiet
Marketing the Ruhrgebiet is a central task of the RVR. Under the motto "Authentic. Different. The Ruhrgebiet", the RVR promotes the transformation potential of the region. This includes a thriving hydrogen economy, a modern IT security ecosystem and an unparalleled density of higher education institutions.
Andrea Höber
Andrea Höber
Head of Department
Department for European Affairs
hoeber@rvr.ruhr
+49 (0) 201 2069 6362
Kronprinzenstr. 6 45128 Essen