The eighteen members of The Economic Board form a triple helix partnership: involving entrepreneurs, public authorities and the education sector. They meet every two months to discuss efforts to promote healthy and sustainable living in the Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen region.
The board meeting on 24 November took place in the historic Trêveszaal at Nijmegen Town Hall. A key item on the agenda was the collaboration with Oost NL, the development agency for the eastern Netherlands.
What does Oost NL do, and how do we work together? On which topics can the board and Oost NL collaborate strategically, and how can we jointly capitalise on the opportunities within #Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region? Oost NL focuses on the economic drivers of the future, with the aim of strengthening the region and forging links with the rest of the Netherlands and beyond. The organisation is committed to a liveable future, using renewal and technological innovation to ensure: good food, affordable healthcare and smart energy. This is achieved through three key areas: technology, renewal and strengthening industry. In doing so, Oost NL works closely with many partners, including those from The Economic Board and from outside the region.
Activities Eastern NL
Innovation
Oost NL brings parties together to stimulate innovation. This is achieved in various ways. For example, there is the Growth Accelerator to help companies develop projects that fit within European programmes. Or bringing companies together to submit large-scale applications to the National Growth Fund.
Investment
Innovation programmes for SMEs or start-ups – early-stage funds, the Oost NL Participation Fund and the Gelderland Innovation Fund – and for large-scale investments via the Gelderland Perspective Fund. Engaging in area development to improve the business climate. Examples of this include Arnhems Buiten and Noviotech Campus. These are game-changers that enable us to make a difference in the region.
’s internationalisation
Companies that are becoming successful want to connect with knowledge partners abroad. Oost NL facilitates these connections by organising trade missions and through the Enterprise Europe Network.
Three major themes that are most relevant to the Lifeport region and the collaboration with The Economic Board
- Strengthening Arnhem-Nijmegen’s position within the European and national high-tech ecosystem
including (chip design & advanced packaging) - Strengthen Arnhem Nijmegen's position in European and national ecosystem in Health, including digital Health, Medtech and prevention and Drug discovery
- Strengthen Arnhem Nijmegen position in European and national ecosystem in Energy including smart energy hubs and batteries
During the meeting, many questions and comments were discussed, such as:
These major themes all represent opportunities; it is important to remain focused on them and consider how we can make better use of them. Research and innovation are only successful once the market has taken them on board.
How do we capitalise on the opportunities in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region?
How strategically does the Arnhem-Nijmegen region present itself in Brussels and The Hague? The Hague is a different matter altogether from Europe.
HAN signs covenant on cooperation with Oost NL
During this board meeting, HAN University of Applied Sciences and Oost NL signed a covenant. In doing so, they agreed to strengthen and formalise cooperation in the region around innovation and entrepreneurship. HAN and Oost NL will work together to increase the impact of practice-based research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the East Netherlands. Together, they focus on strengthening companies and increasing the social impact through innovation in the East Netherlands region.
