"When government and entrepreneurs work together, you achieve more and better." That is the idea behind the Lifeport Partner Fund, set up by The Economic Board and others. Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen is at a tipping point. The region is growing fast in inhabitants, activity and tasks. This growth offers opportunities, but also requires choices and investments.
Together with governments, knowledge institutions and companies in the region, the Lifeport Partner Fund was set up as a joint investment fund to guide that development. Simply put: by investing together, you achieve more. "In this way, together we ensure that our region becomes even more attractive to live, work and do business in," says Ilko Bosman chairman VNO-NCW Arnhem-Nijmegen Region and member of The Economic Board.
He sits at the table with Jet van Zwieten, director Cleantech Park Arnhem and Jan Pieter Manschot, director Kersten Techniek and they are affiliated with the fund as entrepreneurs.
"Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen is an incredibly powerful region. We have the HAN, Radboud University, ROC, Rijn IJssel and ArtEZ, among others," Jet begins. "We have traditionally excelled in energy innovation and offer diverse jobs with significance in the energy transition and circular economy. We have two rivers flowing into the ports of Rotterdam. The A15 is being extended, we have the Betuwe railway line and, of course, the beautiful Veluwe. Our region has always been quite modest, but it is time to become proud!"
Why does the Lifeport Partner Fund contribute to this?
"The idea is that entrepreneurs invest together in the region through the partner fund, as co-financing of government funds. We work together to create a strong economy, from which the entire region reaps its benefits." - Ilko Bosman
As an entrepreneur, why do you want to invest?
"Because the future of the region concerns you directly," says Jet. "We represent some 140 companies here at the Cleantech Park, three thousand people work here. Those benefit from the region remaining attractive to work, grow and attract talent."
As an entrepreneur, Jan Pieter was inspired to participate in the fund for "the very simple reason that people should be able to live, learn and work here. "If we manage to get housing in order then it will be easier to get the right employees," he said.
"Kersten Techniek is recruiting more and more internationally. We now have a talented colleague from Pakistan, who was able to find accommodation quickly and that works well for both parties. If you want to attract the right talents, you have to be able to set the right conditions."
"Moreover," adds Ilko, "as an entrepreneur, you can have your say. In Eindhoven, regional cooperation has existed for some time. There, the partner fund is the ultimate proof that cooperation works. By working together, you can pick up from the capillaries what is needed and build on that."
What does that deliver in concrete terms?
"Companies, education and research come closer together. That makes the region stronger," explains Jan Pieter.
Ilko: "We already see a great example in the Radboudumc, where a link is clearly being made between healthcare and innovation. A project is under way where lung photos are assessed by AI. That saves a doctor eighty per cent of his work. People who come to study find that interesting and it creates new tech jobs."
What does this growth and development mean for residents and entrepreneurs?
Ilko: "A healthy and vital economy makes the region a nice place to live, with space for nature, culture and catering, more liveliness and sufficient employment - now and for future generations."
For entrepreneurs, it is all about trust.
"You can keep looking at what needs to be improved," says Jan Pieter. "Or you can invest in what you need yourself."
It therefore focuses on four pillars that directly contribute to the region's broad prosperity: innovation, talent development, housing and accessibility. These themes do not stand alone, but together form the basis for a strong and future-proof economy. Without talent no innovation, without accessibility no growth and without an attractive living environment no good business climate.
This article was published on Kijk op Arnhem Nijmegen - May 2026
