Second Place in the AI Ranking
In the city ranking by IW Consult, commissioned by WirtschaftsWoche and the online portal ImmoScout24, Erlangen once again ranks among the top German cities. The city performs particularly well in the newly developed “Germany Atlas of Artificial Intelligence”: Erlangen ranks second nationwide, behind Munich. This makes the Huguenot city one of the leading locations for artificial intelligence in Germany. The Friedrich-Alexander University also plays a leading role in this regard.
The ranking examines where high-performing AI ecosystems are developing. Among other factors, it evaluates:
- the number of AI startups per 10,000 residents aged 18 and older,
- the proportion of AI-related job postings and companies, and
- the number of digitalization patents per 100,000 employees subject to social insurance contributions.
Erlangen Improves in the Level Ranking
Erlangen also achieves a very good result in the so-called “level ranking.” The city ranks fifth nationwide, moving up two spots from the previous year. The assessment is based on 51 individual indicators from the following areas:
- Labor Market
- Economic structure
- Real estate market, and
- Quality of life.
The robust labor market and the high proportion of highly qualified workers have a particularly positive impact.
Favorable Conditions for Businesses and Skilled Workers
The strong AI and innovation ecosystem creates key conditions for research, startup activity, and attracting skilled workers. Residents benefit from high-quality jobs and a dynamic economic structure.
In the so-called “Dynamism Ranking,” Erlangen ranks 66th nationwide. This ranking compares 35 economic indicators over a five-year period. The trend in trade tax revenue is of particular importance here, which is why Erlangen has dropped four places compared to the previous year.
Challenges Regarding Housing and Finances
The analysis also highlights key areas for action. These include, in particular, the availability of housing despite a large number of building permits, high rent levels, and the city’s significantly reduced tax revenues.
Mayor Jörg Volleth: “Our city’s financial situation is challenging. But Erlangen has enormous strengths we can build on: our academic community, our innovative spirit, and the people who drive this city forward every day. The ranking clearly demonstrates the potential our city holds.”
