The provinces of Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel are calling on the government to use their knowledge and experience when making plans in the field of innovation and technology. The three provinces recently presented a position paper to the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Nieuwspoort, The Hague.
More than two-thirds of the Dutch innovative manufacturing industry is located in the three provinces, which describe themselves as the engine block of the manufacturing industry. The provinces include companies active in semiconductors, integrated photonics and quantum technology, medical technology health and life sciences, as well as sustainable food and biotechnology. However, also consider parties that supply parts, machines and technologies to other sectors in the Netherlands.
'Economic engine block of the innovative manufacturing industry'
"We are the economic powerhouse of the innovative manufacturing industry, but without sharp choices and focus on these technologies, the Netherlands will lose its competitiveness," said Brabant deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen (Economy).
The provinces point to several major challenges facing the Netherlands. These include grid congestion, lack of space, vulnerable digital infrastructure and a shortage of technical talent. At the same time, few investors dare to take risks, which complicates finding funding for innovative projects.
North Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel say they have the (international) networks, experience and people to solve these societal problems. Van Gruijthuijsen: "The government just needs to step in."
Investing together
The provinces call on the central government to jointly invest in an agenda in the field of these technologies, covering the entire process from making choices to implementing concrete projects. They point to, among other things, the National Technology Strategy, former ASML chief Peter Wennink's advisory project and the Draghi Report on European Competitiveness, which defines European and national ambitions to which the provinces' proposal fits.
Overijssel deputy Erwin Hoogland (Economy) warns that waiting is not an option. "Otherwise we risk the Netherlands losing its technological lead. Our provinces form the heart of the Dutch manufacturing industry, but the importance reaches far beyond our borders," Hoogland said.
Various focus areas
The provinces each have their own focus areas. Brabant, for instance, is strong in high-tech system development, mechanical engineering and integrated photonics. Overijssel is a major player in medical technology and photonics. Gelderland is very active in food technology, chip production and advanced packaging.
Helga Witjes, member of the Gelderland provincial executive: "Companies and knowledge institutions are indispensable for Europe's resilience, for our jobs and for our future. In Gelderland, we have unique expertise in food technology, around Wageningen and Food Valley, and in semicon, especially chip production and integration technology (packaging). We do this in Nijmegen and in 'Lifeport'. Until 2030, we are training 6,000 people to work in the chip industry, because this is the economy of the future. These value chains are strategically important for the future earning capacity and resilience of the Netherlands and Europe."
The position paper can be found here (pdf).
Image: Michal Jarmoluk via Pixabay
