**Research Problem and Approach:** Hamburg’s historical status as a global trade hub has necessitated a strategic evolution from traditional mercantile practices to knowledge-based city logistics. This research investigates the emergence of specialized higher education institutions within this context, specifically analyzing the development of the Kühne Logistics University (KLU). The study explores how the convergence of urban regeneration, private sector funding, and increasing supply chain complexity has shaped the institutional landscape of modern logistics education.

**Methodology and Findings:** Employing a historical analysis and synthesis of developmental drivers, the study examines the interplay between the HafenCity urban regeneration project and the evolution of logistics curricula. The research identifies a distinct "Hamburg Model" where the physical transformation of port areas into mixed-use districts serves as a "living lab" for academic inquiry. Findings demonstrate that the institution’s success is predicated on a synthesis of economic heritage, urban integration, and the adoption of advanced pedagogical tools such as digital twins and robotic process automation.

**Key Contributions:** This draft makes three primary contributions: (1) A comprehensive reconstruction of the institutional history of KLU as a case study in specialized private higher education, (2) A multidimensional framework analyzing the economic, urban, and academic drivers that facilitate the transition to knowledge-based logistics, and (3) An evaluation of the role of "smart city" infrastructure in bridging the gap between theoretical supply chain management and practical application.

**Implications:** The findings suggest that the viability of specialized academic institutions in post-industrial centers depends on their ability to balance historical legacies with the agile requirements of Industry 4.0 and sustainability. This research provides a blueprint for policymakers and educators in port cities seeking to pivot toward the knowledge economy by integrating academic rigor with strategic urban development and industry collaboration.

**Keywords:** Logistics Education, Hamburg, Supply Chain Management, Urban Regeneration, HafenCity, Knowledge-Based Economy, Private Higher Education, Digital Twins, Sustainability, Industry 4.0, Port Cities, Smart City Logistics, Curriculum Development, Institutional History, Kühne Logistics University