Get to know Nuremberg

A strong economy, renowned research institutions and a central location make Nuremberg an attractive destination for businesses and talents.

The city of Nuremberg has always been known for its innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. Its central location within the European economic area is a major asset: As a pan-European hub (Paris–Prague, London–Vienna, Stockholm–Madrid, Warsaw–Berlin–Rome), the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region (EMN) is exceptionally well-connected - providing ideal conditions for imports, exports and tourism.

This concentrated economic strength, combined with more than 20 universities and over 50 research institutions, makes the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region the ideal destination. So when you hold your conference, congress, or event here, you’ll be in excellent company!

Economy

The Nuremberg metropolitan region is one of the strongest economic regions in Europe. An innovative economic structure dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises makes Nuremberg a modern hub for high-tech, industrial and service sectors with above-average economic strength.

Nuremberg Metropolitan Region: A Strong Economic Hub with a Promising Future

The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region ranks among Europe’s strongest economic regions. Companies across a wide range of industries benefit here from a robust innovation ecosystem. In addition to internationally successful corporations such as adidas, DATEV, and Siemens, the region is shaped by numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, “hidden champions” (uvex, Barth & Sohn), and innovative startups (well-known, already established examples: Flixbus, immowelt.de) that define the region.

Digitalization is a key driver of growth. Close collaboration between business, academia, and government creates ideal conditions for innovation and new business models. Particular strengths lie in the future-oriented fields of connected mobility, the digital health sector, connected manufacturing, and sustainable energy systems.

The startup scene is also developing dynamically: With the ZOLLHOF Tech Incubator, Nuremberg boasts one of Germany’s leading startup and innovation centers.

Further information on Nuremberg as a business location can be found on the websites of the City of Nuremberg and the European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg.

Facts and figures about the Nuremberg metropolitan area

3.5 million

Residents

181 billion

Gross Domestic Product

150,000

Companies

Nuremberg's areas of expertise

Information & Communications

Nuremberg is one of Germany's leading hubs for information and communication technologies. Numerous companies, research institutions and networks are driving the digital transformation forward.

Medicine & Health

With Medical Valley, the region is home to one of Europe’s leading centers for medical technology and healthcare innovation. The close ties between business, research and the healthcare sector foster the development of forward-looking solutions.

Energy & Environment

Nuremberg is a key hub for the energy and environmental sectors. Institutions such as the Nuremberg Energy Campus and the Bavarian Hydrogen Center (H2.B) are making significant contributions to the energy transition and the development of sustainable technologies.

Science

Nuremberg is a diverse and dynamic hub for science and research. Numerous public and private universities, research and development institutions, scientific laboratories and business incubators create an environment that fosters innovation. The close ties between academia, business and research form the foundation for innovative developments and sustainable growth.

Nuremberg’s university landscape: A compelling hub for science

Nuremberg brings together science, research and innovation in a compact area. From art and music to business and engineering, and on to future-oriented fields such as artificial intelligence, the city’s universities offer a diverse range of degree programs. Around 25,000 students are already benefiting from this environment today. Together with the growing research landscape and the Technical University of Nuremberg (UTN), this strengthens the city’s position as an attractive hub for science and innovation.

Nuremberg’s universities

Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg
Lutheran University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg
FAU Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
FernUniversität in Hagen, Nuremberg Campus
Nuremberg University of Music
Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences, Nuremberg
Nuremberg University of Technology (UTN)

Facts and figures about Nuremberg as a hub for science

Universities and study centers

50 +

Research institutions

60,000 +

Students at universities in Nuremberg

Innovation and Inventiveness

Today, the Nuremberg metropolitan region is one of Germany's most patent-rich and innovative economic regions, and the universities located there also regularly receive awards.

Home of innovation and inventiveness

Innovation has a long tradition in Nuremberg. Even as a free imperial city in the Middle Ages, entrepreneurial thinking, personal responsibility and a spirit of commerce shaped the city’s development. This can-do culture continued during industrialization and made Nuremberg a major driving force behind the German economy.

Names such as AEG, Faber-Castell, Quelle and Zündapp exemplify the region’s innovative strength. To this day, the companies and institutions in the metropolitan region continue to seize change as an opportunity and further develop Nuremberg as a modern hub for high-tech, industry, and services.

The Franconian spirit of invention is evident not only in the past but also in the present. Figures such as Albrecht Dürer, Martin Behaim and Georg Simon Ohm have made history. Not only did the first German railroad run in Nuremberg, but the first German patent was also filed here and the globally successful MP3 format was developed here in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute IIS.

Selected examples of the inventive spirit of Nuremberg and Franconia

1303/05
Nürnberger Rotbier created, Germany’s first bottom-fermented beer

1313
First regulations for making Nuremberg Rostbratwurst (Nuremberg sausages)

1360
Development of the drawing iron (Schockenzug) for making medium and fine wire

1368
Development of conifer cropping: the world’s first forest plantation

1390
The first paper mill north of the Alps lays the cornerstone for industrial mass production of paper

1395
First documentation of the “Lebküchner”, professional bakers of Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread)

1492
Martin Behaim makes a terrestrial globe, the oldest surviving globe in the world
Etzlaub makes the first map of Nuremberg’s environs, the oldest specialty map printed in Germany

1500
Etzlaub also produces the “Romwegekarte”, the oldest road map in Christian Europe

1504
Henlein is thought to have invented the first spring-driven pocket watch. (Henlein is no longer credited with inventing the first pocket watch of any kind)

1569
Development of a technique for “Lyonese ware” (fine, silver-plated copper wires for use in textiles)

1655
First fire pump air vessel developed
First self-propelled wheelchair developed

1700
First clarinet developed

1793
The merchant Bestelmeier produces the first sales catalogue and becomes a pioneer in mail-order sales

1824
Germany’s first free-standing suspension bridge built: the Nuremberg Kettensteg

1826
Ohm’s Law described

1834
Staedtler puts the first oil pastels on the market

1835
The first German railroad, the “Adler” (Eagle), runs from Nuremberg to Fürth

1875
The Schwan Pencil Factory (later Schwan-STABILO) develops the indelible pencil

1877
Ultramarine, developed in 1834, is awarded the first patent from the German Reich

1879
The first musical top developed

1882
Schuckert installs Europe’s first electric street lighting, with arc lamps, in Nuremberg
First “Bing Bear” teddy bear introduced

1883
Invention of phenazone, the first synthetic pain relieving and fever reducing medication

1914
Introduction of the Schuco Automato, a toy automaton

Ca. 1920
Creation of “Bärendreck” – a liquorice sweet

1921
Zündapp motorcycles for the general market start production

1923
"Em-eukal" from Dr Carl Soldan is the first German cough lozenge

1927
Introduction of the world’s first cosmetic pencil, the “Schwan Eyebrow Pencil”

1929
Birth of the “Tempo” handkerchief, the first tissue paper hanky

1933
Development of the Schuco Wendeauto wind-up car

1946
Grundig develops the Heinzelmann radio for the general market

1948
The social market economy is introduced in Germany, based on the theories of Dr Ludwig Erhard (born in Fürth)

1952/54
Puma, and adidas soon after, develops the first shoe with interchangeable cleats

1963
Design of a toy slot car by Carrera

1970
A Nuremberg clockmaker develops the radio-controlled clock

1971
Development of the first neon-yellow highlighter pen, the "STABILO BOSS"

1972
The Bobby Car from Fürth reaches the market

1974
Little PLAYMOBIL figures come into the world

1987
Development of the MP3 audio file storage format at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

2010
The world’s first fully automated, driverless underground train goes into partly autonomous operation in Nuremberg

2012
A research team from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg develops the LOHC, a liquid compound that can store hydrogen

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Journey to Nuremberg

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