Need a Face and a Connector for the Start-up Scene? Here's the Lowdown!
Is there a need for a charismatic leader and a well-connected networker in the startup community? - In the world of innovation, is a charismatic leader and a powerful circle essential for a startup's success?
Let's dive into the latest buzz in Rhineland-Palatinate: the AfD faction is advocating for a state commissioner dedicated to the start-up scene. According to Joachim Paul, the deputy of the faction, our vibrant community of entrepreneurs needs a leader and a networker from the industry. This position would be strategically based in the Ministry of Economics, with the commissioner volunteering their time.
When you think, "What's the deal with this commissioner gig?" let's take a gander at Hesse, our neighboring state. They made a similar move at the end of last year, appointing a state government commissioner for start-ups—an action the AfD crew is highlighting in their proposal, set to be discussed in the upcoming plenary session.
Now, if you're wondering what the heck this commissioner would actually do, let's take a squiz at the potential roles:
- Policy Pioneers: Crafting policies that stir the pot for start-ups, such as juicy tax incentives, simplifying the regulatory jungle, and facilitating access to dough.
- Network Queens and Kings: Building bridges between start-ups, investors, and other players in the game, ensuring collaboration and resource-sharing like it's going outta style.
- The Party Planner: Orchestrating events and campaigns to make the start-up scene irresistible to new ventures.
- Start-up Sherpas: Guiding and advising start-ups on legal, financial, and strategic issues as they navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
And guess what? German states have a knack for supporting entrepreneurship and start-ups in various ways, as you can see when you check out the following examples:
- Digital Ministers: In some German states, digital ministers or departments have taken on roles focused on promoting digital innovation and start-ups, such as modernizing the economy and backing digital entrepreneurship. One example is Karsten Wildberger from our swanky new cabinet, who's all about modernizing the German economy in a digital age, which could include encouraging start-ups[2].
- Regional Economic Development Offices: You'll find these bad boys in many German states. These offices or agencies offer and bunker down with businesses and start-ups through initiatives such as business incubators, funding programs, and networking events.
Alas, without the skinny on the AfD's exact proposal or existing positions in other states that super-dope start-ups, these roles are like an educated guess based on typical state-level efforts to spur economic development and innovation.
- The proposal by the AfD faction in Rhineland-Palatinate suggests the creation of a state commissioner for the start-up scene, aiming to provide a leader and networker from the industry, serving voluntarily within the Ministry of Economics.
- This commissioner, if appointed, would focus on policy formulation, including crafting incentives, simplifying regulations, and facilitating financial access for start-ups.
- Furthermore, the commissioner would serve as a connector, building bridges between start-ups, investors, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
- In addition to this potential role, the commissioner might also organize events and campaigns to attract new ventures, and act as a counselor, guiding start-ups through legal, financial, and strategic issues in their entrepreneurial journey.
Just like Hesse, other German states reinforce entrepreneurship and start-ups via digital ministers promoting digital innovation and start-ups, as well as through regional economic development offices offering business incubators, funding programs, and networking events.
