The TechZone straddles Drenthe and Overijssel’s provincial borders, but has ambitions that stretch far further than that
By Redmar Bosma
Dutch TechZone is a collaborative effort that hopes to strengthen the regional economy through innovation and job creation. Whilst the mission statement might not be anything groundbreaking, the methods certainly are. “We try to promote the connection and cooperation between the regional business community and the knowledge institutions”, says director Henriëtte Herbschleb. “This makes the region more attractive to establish yourself as a company and also as an employee to work.”
The Dutch TechZone includes four municipalities, located in Southeast Drenthe and Northeast Overijssel: Emmen, Hoogeveen, Coevorden and Hardenberg. It is important that the companies based there take advantage of the region’s strength, says Herbschleb. “Dutch TechZone can play an important role in this. Not as a project agency that gives a lot of money, but by acting as a driver and connector. Companies can inspire each other through their stubbornness and own wisdom”, she says. “By sharing that, they can work together, with innovation as a result.”
Herbschleb says that it is very important to retain knowledge in the region. “We want to have a vital living-working-living area here. For this we focus on the manufacturing industry. That is the DNA of this region. We are good at doing things and we have many professionals. It is important that we show what is happening in this area and what wonderful companies there are. We are talking about a thriving manufacturing industry. ”
Low costs, lots of space
In addition to large, established companies such as Fokker and Wavin, more and more new companies are coming to the region, says Herbschleb. “The business parks here are relatively cheap, there are enough workers, and you have plenty of space here, which provides more opportunities. It is also a strategically beautiful place. Close to the border of Germany. So why would companies and employees always want to go West? It is not for nothing that Tesla considered opening a factory in Emmen”, she says. “We are less fanatical here, but mainly we do it. And that is what it is all about. ”
“The goal with Dutch TechZone will remain the same for the foreseeable future. We want to continue to offer companies opportunities to develop here. Preferably in collaboration with others. ” The arrival of corona has hardly slowed that down, says Herbschleb. “It is mainly retail, catering and the leisure industry that will be hit hard. In the manufacturing industry, the impact is relatively limited for most companies. In most cases, making products can continue as usual, possibly with some adjustments. ”
Herbschleb explains that Dutch TechZone is increasingly internationally oriented. Three of the four municipalities are on the border, and that offers opportunities, she indicates. “At the moment it is still mainly focused on Germany. But there are also wonderful companies that collaborate in other regions. ”
Attract talent
“In order to maintain or find that connection to the international market, matters such as educational innovation, including through the Skills4Future program, the setting up of innovation environments and digitization are of great importance. The bigger picture is important: as a region we want to be more attractive to (new) talent, so that the business community can continue to develop. Sometimes you have to join forces for that. Because ultimately everyone will reap the benefits. ”
Image: Henriëtte Herbschleb
