The 2019 Prognos Future Atlas again shows that Munich has the best future prospects in all of Germany. The ranking examines factors such as demographics, social situation, the labor market, as well as competition and innovation.
Every three years, the Prognos Future Atlas asks: How well are Germany's 401 districts and independent cities positioned for the future? What is the status quo and the dynamics? The ranking assesses the opportunities and risks of each region.
The state capital Munich ranks first in the 2019 ranking, overtaking the Munich district for the first time since 2004, which now ranks second. Furthermore The city of Munich and the district share the top spot, followed by Ingolstadt. Starnberg holds its ground in eighth place.
The Prognos Future Atlas index is based on a total of 29 macro- and socio-economic indicators from demographics, labor market, competition and innovation as well as prosperity and social situation.
Munich impresses in “Labor Market” and “Competition & Innovation”
Munich is particularly strong in the areas of "labor market" and "competition & innovation." These include indicators such as start-up intensity, industrial investment rate, patent intensity, employment in future-oriented fields, and much more.
In the "Wealth & Social Situation" ranking, seven districts from the region are in the top 10, with Starnberg, Dachau, and Ebersberg at the top. The state capital follows as the best major city in 11th place, making a significant leap forward compared to 2016 (Munich ranked 42nd in the last ranking).
Prognos Future Atlas: South-North divide remains
The regional patterns of recent years also remain the same. As in 2016, a strong south-north divide is evident: 21 of the 25 top locations are located in southern Germany. Outside of this region, only four cities make it into the top 25: Wolfsburg, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Münster.
