Structural change, international competition and high wage costs have led the businessmen of the economic region of the Bergisch City-Triangle to a new solution in order to maintain their place on the world market: Design, development and quality, meaning highquality and attractively designed products. Major awards in the fi eld of product design are won time and again for example by the traditional blade-making industry of Solingen. Fine cutlery, knives and other kitchen implements are in great demand as products designed to last a lifetime. Designers in general find an attractive environment here, since the wide variety of companies enable products to be developed for whole sectors and manufactured by partners within the region. Industrial research institutions also make an important contribution for small and medium-sized companies, in co-operation with the "Bergische Universität", in adapting product developments to the latest demands of the market. The "Product Design Forum" in the old main railway station in Solingen will not only create a further institute of the University, but will also afford companies from the region the opportunity of exchanging information and presenting their products.

Further information on the german site.