Alexandra van Huffelen succeeds Ahmed Marcouch as the figurehead of regional triple helix collaboration
Alexandra van Huffelen, Chair of the Executive Board of Radboud University, was appointed this morning during the Board meeting as the new Chair of The Economic Board Arnhem-Nijmegen Region. She succeeds Ahmed Marcouch, Mayor of Arnhem. With this change of leadership, education, research and innovation will take centre stage in the region’s economic development. “Our region has everything it needs to accelerate the major transitions of our time. With knowledge, talent and innovative strength, we can contribute to a healthy living environment and a strong economic foundation,” says Van Huffelen.
Broad prosperity as a necessity
The Arnhem-Nijmegen region has great opportunities, but also challenges. Although the region competes internationally with innovations in energy, high-tech and healthcare, its economic performance lags behind other urban areas. Moreover, income, health and living environment are under pressure in parts of the region. This is precisely why Van Huffelen calls broad prosperity not a luxury, but a necessity. "Investments in housing, mobility, facilities - such as culture, greenery and sports - as well as a strong labour market are indispensable to move our region forward."
From energy-efficient chips to AI in healthcare
With Van Huffelen’s appointment, The Economic Board is entering a new phase. Earlier this year, the Board presented its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which sets out its ambitions and places innovation and prosperity at the heart of its agenda. There are plenty of concrete examples: from energy-efficient chips and smart solutions for grid congestion to applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Outgoing chair Ahmed Marcouch looks to the future with confidence: “With her experience, unifying leadership and vision for the future, Alexandra van Huffelen will continue to strengthen collaboration within the triple helix between businesses, knowledge institutions and public authorities in Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen, thereby further enhancing the region’s economic profile.”
About The Economic Board Arnhem Nijmegen Region
The Economic Board Arnhem-Nijmegen Region is a partnership between public authorities, businesses, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations in the Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen Region. The aim of The Economic Board is to strengthen the regional economy and thereby actively contribute to increasing social prosperity through innovation and collaboration.
