After a brief hiatus, the Business Club year of the Four Days Marches celebrations got off to a flying start last week at Nexperia in Nijmegen. On 16 April, partners and members gathered for an inspiring event centred on innovation, economic growth and regional collaboration.
Building the future together Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region
During the programme, the directors of the Four Day Festivals, Nexperia and The Economic Board shared their views on the economic strength of the Lifeport Region Arnhem Nijmegen. From ambitious growth plans within the semiconductor sector to international challenges and opportunities. One thing became clear: the region is in full swing.
According to Jan van Dellen, director of The Economic Board, the region’s strength lies in the way it works together:“Lifeport’s strength lies in the unique collaboration between education, government and the business community. It is precisely because we are able to connect quickly and share the same ambition that we, as a region, can really accelerate our progress.”
Ruben Lichtenberg, director of Nexperia, emphasised the company’s international character:“Nexperia operates globally, but remains firmly rooted in Nijmegen. It is precisely this combination of international clout and a strong local ecosystem, in which collaboration and mutual reinforcement are central, that makes this region so special.”
As a leading international chip company and proud main sponsor, Nexperia has strong ties to the city. At the same time, the company plays a key role within the Lifeport Semicon programme, in which companies, research institutions and public authorities collaborate on the further development of the semiconductor sector. “With Lifeport Semicon, we are working in a targeted manner to build a strong and future-proof ecosystem for the semiconductor sector. We are connecting major players such as Nexperia and NXP with SMEs, the education sector and public authorities to invest jointly in innovation and talent,” said Van Dellen.
Talent and innovation as engine
The sector’s growth requires well-trained professionals and a strong link between education and the labour market.“The greatest challenge – and opportunity – lies in talent,” says Van Dellen.“That is why we work closely with educational institutions to train young people, retain them and offer them prospects within the region.”
Nexperia also emphasised this importance:“Talent is the key to our future. That is why we are actively investing in collaboration with educational institutions and in attracting technical talent to this region,” said Lichtenberg. This joint approach ensures that innovations are not only developed but also actually put into practice.
Four-day celebrations as a stage for regional pride
Joris Bouwmeester, managing director of the Four Days Festivities, made the connection between economic developments and the strength of the event during the programme. With the 55th edition approaching, there was a preview of a special anniversary summer, including an exhibition in the Mariënburg Chapel and the Talent Tour.
According to him, the Four Days Festivities are a stage on which the region shows its identity and strength: a place where companies, residents and visitors come together and where regional pride becomes visible.
The event also plays an important role for Nexperia:“As the main sponsor of the Four Days Marches celebrations, we are delighted to contribute to Nijmegen’s energy and pride. It is an event that brings people and businesses together in a unique way,” said Lichtenberg.
Power of cooperation visible
What made this meeting extra special was the open and relaxed atmosphere between the speakers and attendees. It underlined exactly what the Business Club stands for: connection, cooperation and sharing knowledge and ideas.
“What makes this region unique is that we are big enough to make an impact, but small enough to know each other personally,” says Van Dellen.“That makes working together here both effective and enjoyable.”
The afternoon ended with a prize draw and an enjoyable networking reception.
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