Value creation

At approx. EUR 477 billion, Baden-Württemberg generates the third largest share of the German gross domestic product (GDP). In terms of annual GDP growth rates, Baden-Württemberg usually performs better than Germany as a whole in most years. During the 2009 financial crisis, the collapse of Baden-Württemberg was thus also significantly stronger than that of Germany as a whole, not least because of its strong dependence on foreign markets.

In 2015, Baden-Württemberg had a gross value added of close to EUR 414 billion, of which around 30 percent were attributable to the Stuttgart region. The manufacturing industry contributes a proportion of between 23 and 45 percent in the federal state's regions, and around one third in the Stuttgart region. The amount of value added per person in gainful employment in Baden-Württemberg is above average compared to Germany as a whole. This is due e.g. to the differences in the economic structure, since the manufacturing industry which is strongly represented in the South-West achieves a significantly above-average value added. The Stuttgart region also ranks highest in the federal state as regards the value added per person in gainful employment in the manufacturing industry. This high productivity is thanks to the above-average proportion of employees in research and development. Numerous R&D centres by well-known company groups are also situated in the region.

The gross value added per inhabitant in the Stuttgart region is highest compared to the other regions in Baden-Württemberg. Within the region, it is highest in the Stuttgart metropolitan area. This KPI showing value added available for distribution in the region approximates the region's wealth, however it is worth noting that commuters with residences outside the region also contribute to the creation of this gross value added. Looking at gross value added per person in gainful employment, taking into account commuters in both directions, the Böblingen administrative district ranks highest in the region at EUR 98,000 per capita. Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg also achieve values higher than the average for the federal state.