Economic and demographic dynamism, as well as various location factors were examined using three indices, i.e. trends, demography and location, which were finally included in the overall ranking on an equal basis.
With a current population of 560,647 inhabitants, Leipzig leads the Trend Index ahead of Munich and Berlin. The Trend Index measures important changes in the economic efficiency of the 30 largest German cities in recent years. It examines the dynamism and strength with which resident numbers, gainful employment and productivity improved or deteriorated in the past.
Leipzig also recorded the highest increase in population (4.2%) of all 30 cities. The three cities in Saxony - Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz - therefore differ substantially from the demographic developments in large areas of east Germany that are characterised by population decreases.
The ranking predicts very good future prospects and excellent economic competitiveness for Leipzig. However, the city must become more international and improve the educational level of students leaving general schools.
In need of improvement
Whereas Leipzig is very well-placed in the Trend Index (1st place) and the Demography Index (3rd place), the Location Index is very disappointing (27th place). The main reasons for this are the low number of foreign workers and students in east Germany, as well as the large proportion of school leavers without qualifications and the low number of school leavers entitled to study at university.
The ranking
The 2015 HWWI/Berenberg City Ranking analysed key location conditions in the 30 largest German cities. These conditions shape and determine the economic competitiveness of these cities. The ranking compares which cities are experiencing rather positive or negative economic development and have rather favourable or unfavourable location conditions.