Helen Kardan to helm TNO's High Tech Industry Science & Technology
Helen Kardan joins TNO as Director of Science & Technology for the High Tech Industry unit, aiming to foster innovative growth and collaborative strength in the Netherlands.
A Visionary Leader for TNO’s High Tech Industry
Helen Kardan has been announced as the new Director of Science & Technology for TNO’s High Tech Industry unit, effective from 1 June 2024. With an impressive career trajectory that spans across continents and stints at prestigious organizations like Freescale Semiconductor Ltd. and ASML, Kardan brings to the table a profound expertise in high-tech sectors, including semiconductor, medtech, and automotive industries. Her role at TNO will be instrumental in driving scientific and technological strategies aimed at fostering breakthrough innovations and deepening partnerships within the Dutch high-tech landscape[1][2].
TNO’s Strategic Aspirations Amid Global Challenges
Arnaud de Jong, Managing Director of TNO High Tech Industry, expressed enthusiasm for Kardan’s appointment, highlighting her market-oriented high-tech expertise and her extensive network within the Brainport ecosystem, as well as her international experience. TNO’s High Tech Industry unit targets key areas such as semiconductor equipment, integrated photonics, quantum technology, and AI, to maintain competitiveness and respond to rising geopolitical tensions that necessitate technological innovation and open strategic autonomy. By the year 2040, TNO envisions that successful Dutch high-tech companies will achieve 50% of their revenue from new value chains, underscoring the organization’s commitment to modernizing industry through key technology development and usage[3].
Innovation and Collaboration at the Core
Kardan’s return to TNO signifies not only a professional milestone but also a strategic boon for the organization. She is poised to navigate TNO’s High Tech Industry unit through an era where multidisciplinary collaboration is paramount. TNO’s recent innovations, such as the development of fully circular electronics, an ultrasound patch for organ monitoring, and advancements in laser satellite communication, are testament to the organization’s commitment to leading-edge research and development. These initiatives underscore the Netherlands’ growing emphasis on creating sustainable technologies and maintaining a robust high-tech industry[1][3].
The Road Ahead for Dutch High Tech
Kardan’s appointment comes at a time when the Dutch high-tech sector is poised for transformative growth. As she prepares to take on her new role at TNO, the organization continues to foster an environment of innovation, evidenced by the #TNOSemicon Innovation Day and ongoing collaborations with industry leaders and entrepreneurs. With Kardan at the helm, TNO’s Science & Technology division is expected to scale new heights, leveraging her leadership and expertise to stimulate economic growth and enhance societal well-being, in line with the ‘Made in the Netherlands’ ethos[2].