On June 10, 2025, the AmerikaHaus NRW, together with the Auslandsgesellschaft and the Academy of International Affairs NRW, hosted a panel discussion in Dortmund entitled “Together in Transition: Lessons from the Ruhr Region and the Rust Belt”. The panel featured Emily Adams, German Chancellor Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations; John Austin, Senior Fellow at the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College and Visiting Fellow at the Academy of International Affairs NRW; as well as Jörg Kemna, Chief Executive Officer of Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH. The discussion was moderated by Dr. des. Juliane Borosch from the Research Group City Scripts / Scripts for Postindustrial Urban Futures.

Both Germany’s Ruhr region and the Rust Belt in the US, long defined by coal, steel, and heavy industry, have experienced the economic, social, and political consequences of deindustrialization, but they have responded differently to these challenges. The experts noted that the Ruhr region, as the heartland of social democracy with strong allies in unions, had managed the transition better from a social welfare perspective. After light population decline in the 1960s and 1970s, the area had since grown again, largely driven by immigration. Kemna explained that while energy and steel remained core industries, the region had successfully diversified, especially by fostering academic excellence and expanding the health sector. The Rust Belt, on the other hand, was quicker to focus on innovation, for example in high tech, but lacked a people-centric approach, which had contributed to a loss of identity and pride in its communities. Adams added that the lack of higher education opportunities had encouraged younger generations to leave, fueling brain drain. In contrast to the Ruhr area, the Rust Belt had not received the same level of state and federal support and had to rely heavily on the private sector.

While more economically secure today than in the 1960s, both regions continue to face structural challenges and social divisions stemming from deindustrialization. To counter these issues, Austin suggested to “start with what you’re good at – build on your assets and then diversify.” He also suggested attracting venture capital for investments in innovative solutions and transforming challenges like climate change into opportunities for new industries. Providing educational opportunities, encouraging young people to stay in or return to these regions, offering reliable infrastructure, and ensuring equal living conditions, the panel concluded, would not only increase prosperity but also strengthen democratic participation. The experts furthermore underlined that agency from locals and an approach tailored to local conditions were key to successful transitions. At the same time, they highlighted the importance of transatlantic exchanges such as this one as a source of inspiration and potential cooperation. 

The audience gained valuable insights into the similarities and differences of both regions’ transformations and learned about concrete strategies for shaping structural change in sustainable ways. Following the panel discussion, there was a lively exchange between guests and speakers, underscoring the importance of dialogue in facing shared challenges.

We would like to thank our panelists for the insightful discussion and our partners for their cooperation. This event was kindly supported by the State Government of North-Rhine Westphalia.

Photos: Caroline Seidel