„The transformation to a sustainable metropolis can only succeed as a joint effort“ , emphasised Mi-Yong Becker, Vice President of Bochum University of Applied Sciences, at the kick-off event of the THALESruhr Sustainability Alliance. With its sustainability alliance, Bochum University of Applied Sciences has launched a new network that aims to promote the development of the Ruhr metropolis into one of the "greenest industrial regions". The special feature of this network is that it brings together different social groups with different perspectives and gives them a common voice. Around 50 interested parties from science, local authorities, society, companies and organisations accepted the invitation and attended the Alliance's launch event.

In a joint opening speech, Mi-Yong Becker and project manager Dr Daniela Heeg outlined the complex THALESruhr project. As a transfer centre for sustainability, THALESruhr combines knowledge from the university with practical experience and aims to get people involved in the sustainable development of the metropolis. "THALESruhr is all about making and implementing sustainability projects in practice. Close cooperation and direct dialogue with people, initiatives, local authorities and companies at all levels are of central importance here. This applies not only to the Sustainability Alliance," emphasised Daniela Heeg. In addition to the alliance, THALESruhr also includes nine transfer projects. They are developing learning early warning systems for floods, solutions for sustainable construction and climate protection, for the factory of the future and for a lively and safe traffic area in cities. So-called real-world laboratories are being set up to test them. This is still a new form of cooperation between local authorities, companies and interested groups. Real-world laboratories offer the opportunity to test and trial solutions such as charging stations for e-bikes in everyday life. Other components of THALESruhr are an open, free-to-use workshop for innovations, the so-called makerspace, and an e-bus that will bring THALESruhr to the people of the metropolis and create an invitation to talk about the future of the metropolis.

The THALESruhr motto "Do" also took centre stage at the Sustainability Alliance's kick-off event. Together, the participants discussed and developed drivers for a sustainable future for the metropolis and identified obstacles that need to be overcome. In addition to the presentation of known hurdles, such as the reduction of bureaucracy, numerous new proposals were developed. These include, for example, the creation of opportunities and experimental spaces for sustainability projects, the mutual sharing of skills, so-called skill sharing, or best practice examples that encourage imitation.

 The event concluded with a keynote speech by Ferdinand Grah, who provided answers to the question "How do you move from thinking to doing?".