LETTER OF INTENT 

On the initiative of Mulhouse, a group of cities known as “Cities of the First Industrial Revolution” or “Little Manchester” have decided to meet, get acquainted and federate via the network, “Innovative Red Brick Cities ®”.
These cities are unquestionably emblematic of the First Industrial Revolution, that of the steam engine, the power loom and the railway.
Although the initial entrepreneurship of these cities was challenged by technological, economic and social changes, it is worth noting that:

• these industrial towns have continued to develop since the Second, Third and now during a Fourth Industrial Revolution;
• this entrepreneurial spirit is part of the DNA of these regions, as is demonstrated through numerous initiatives.

This is why, in 2018, we launched “Innovative Red Brick Cities”.  This new project is an opportunity to share experiences and promote European cities with similar histories.  During initial discussions with Winterthur, Lodz and Chemnitz, three main areas have been identified:

• the restoration and conversion of industrial sites;
• the promotion of the cities’ technological heritage through education and tourism by using industry collections with outstanding potential;
• the development of new companies and activities within the framework of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The initiative, “Innovative Red Brick Cities®,” aims to open up to cities which share the same criteria and values so that together, they can build projects for the future!
Let’s hope it will inspire you as well!
 
Luc Gaillet
Chairman, S.I.M.