The project focuses on potentials of international and internal immigration for a sustainable regional development in shrinking regions in Saxony-Anhalt. Therefore, the research team has analysed integration strategies as well as barriers to social participation for migrants from far and near. Moreover, the project has studied perceptions and experiences of local actors. International immigrants, internal migrants, remigrants as well as the autochthone population were being interviewed on their experiences with regard to arriving, staying and leaving. With the thesis of a “culture of out-migration” (Leibert & Wiest 2014) in mind, the scientists asked for how people could identify more with their (newly acquired) home. Another goal was to promote social participation in the communes.

Results/Publications

The project findings are summarized in a 140-page final report. Download report (pdf 2,2 mb / in German language)