The board meeting on Friday 27 September took place at Wageningen University & Research. In addition to the university, which has 13,500 students, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) comprises an equally large applied research institute focusing on areas such as agriculture and horticulture. The collaboration with Wageningen and the Arnhem-Nijmegen region is not limited to the themes of food, climate and research. In Arnhem-Nijmegen-Foodvalley, a number of challenges converge, such as the housing challenge and the transition of agriculture. There is also frequent collaboration between the two regions in the fields of economics and innovation.
The agenda was packed, including a discussion of the budget and the annual plan for 2025. Other topics discussed included the positioning of Lifeport, the follow-up to labour market issues, the potential for creating economic value through AI, and raising our region’s profile within the semiconductor sector.
Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region
Over the past few months, work has been carried out on the vision document and the broader Lifeport narrative. The knowledge and educational institutions have taken the first step in the ‘Lifeport Learning and Innovation’ collaboration – marking the start of the wider Lifeport network, in which vocational training programmes, higher professional education, universities and knowledge institutions work together towards a vibrant and sustainable society. In the coming period, we will also continue to collaborate on this with local authorities and businesses.
Human Capital Agreement Arnhem Nijmegen region
Adam Galijašević, programme manager Human Capital, explained the projects and programmes within the Human Capital Agreement and their progress. Last week, the contribution from the Regio Deal for the plan "Working together for a labour market that works" was approved. The board members complimented the progress made in implementing the Human Capital Agreement.
Artificial intelligence
Daniel Wigboldus indicated that AI should also link up with the Human Capital Agreement for attracting, retaining and developing talent. The Arnhem-Nijmegen region has a lot of potential in the field of AI.
National Reinforcement Plan Microchip talent
We have formed a triple helix consortium in our region, which has recently begun addressing the issue of talent shortages in the semiconductor sector. Work has been carried out on the proposal within the semiconductor sector for participation in the talent programme under the National Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan. This talent plan contributes to our region, the Brainport region and neighbouring regions, with the aim of participating in the national talent programme.
We recognise the national demand for talent and the shortage of well-trained staff. In total, our Gelderland semiconductor cluster comprises around 50 companies, providing 7,000 jobs. Including the hundreds of regional supply chain and outsourcing partners, direct and indirect employment stands at over 10,000 jobs. Total annual turnover amounts to approximately €3.5 billion. In terms of turnover and jobs, the Arnhem-Nijmegen region accounts for over 10% of the total semiconductor sector in the Netherlands, making us the second-largest region in the country after Brainport. Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen Region is therefore a crucial part of the national semiconductor ecosystem, and it is therefore logical that our region should join the National Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan. Our region stands ready to assist Brainport with the National Strengthening Plan.
