Migrant-owned businesses in Oberhausen / OB-Diverse

The aim of the OB-DIVERSE study is to analyse the shared development potentials of German-owned and migrant-owned businesses in Oberhausen and to develop strategic approaches for safeguarding economic and social diversity in the city’s neighbourhoods. The study focuses on the interplay between both migrant and non-migrant (entrepreneurial) cohorts with regard to cooperation, network formation, spatial distribution, and their respective roles in urban development. It examines the significance of these businesses for local economic stability, sectoral diversity, and neighbourhood vitality, how they use existing support infrastructures, and which barriers they encounter. At the same time, OB-DIVERSE investigates to what extent migrant businesses contribute to social cohesion and cultural diversity as well as to economic development (e.g., labour markets, training and apprenticeships, regional innovation) – and how these effects can be fostered in a targeted manner.

The research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative secondary data (e.g., business registration data, turnover tax, population statistics, and labour market/Jobcentre data) are integrated with spatial mapping of the distribution of German-owned and migrant-owned businesses in selected neighbourhoods. Qualitative (semi-)structured interviews with migrant and German entrepreneurs (the latter serving as a reference group and stakeholders), as well as with key actors in the local ecosystem (economic development agencies, chambers, networks, neighbourhood initiatives, advisory and support organisations) are conducted. They are complemented by two focused group discussions. In addition, best practices of successful German-migrant (economic) cooperation in Oberhausen are identified in order to derive actionable recommendations that promote exchange, visibility, and joint place-based development. Overall, OB-DIVERSE provides an evidence base for strengthening neighbourhood resilience and strategically leveraging diversity as a locational asset for Oberhausen.

The project is conducted by the Institute for Work and Technology’s (IAT) research unit Innovation, Space and Culture (INNO) and is implemented in close coordination with local partners. Funding is provided via a commissioned study by the City of Oberhausen.