To expand upon your comment, my German co-worker explained to me that Dresden was a high-tech / semi-conductor industrial hub during GDR / East Germany. It was

To expand upon your comment, my German co-worker explained to me that Dresden was a high-tech / semi-conductor industrial hub during GDR / East Germany. It was mostly state planning to build unis and industry in same place. This was continued after Germany reunited. Given their lower cost of living advantages, I can understand why Dresden was selected. From a political view, I can imagine that German gov't officials wants to encourage economic development of former GDR, as it continues to lag West Germany.