Windesheim and Oost NL Partner to Boost Regional Innovation
Zwolle, Sunday, 13 October 2024.
Windesheim University and development agency Oost NL have joined forces to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in Eastern Netherlands. This strategic collaboration, formalized on October 4, 2024, aims to accelerate societal transitions in healthcare, digitalization, clean energy, and circular economy by integrating practical research and stimulating start-up entrepreneurship.
Strategic Partnership for Regional Development
The partnership between Windesheim University and Oost NL marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation within the Eastern Netherlands. By combining resources, knowledge, and networks, the two institutions aim to tackle some of the region’s most pressing challenges. The collaboration focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in fields such as healthcare, digitalization, clean energy, and the circular economy. This strategic initiative is designed to not only support start-ups but also to enhance the overall innovation ecosystem in the region.
Emphasis on Societal Impact
The newly signed agreement, which took place on October 4, 2024, underscores a mutual commitment to driving societal impact through innovation. Theo Föllings, Director of Innovation at Oost NL, emphasizes the importance of creating a robust ecosystem that offers access to capital, talent, and knowledge. According to Föllings, this partnership will help dismantle structural barriers and expedite innovation within the region[1]. Inge Grimm, Chair of the Executive Board at Windesheim, highlights how this collaboration can invigorate the regional innovation ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs more effectively with Windesheim’s resources and facilitating international connections through Oost NL’s networks.
Targeted Collaboration for Enhanced Innovation
The partnership is strategically focused on integrating education with practical research to benefit students and start-up entrepreneurs alike. By managing a joint strategic project portfolio, Windesheim and Oost NL aim to monitor progress and develop new initiatives that align with the region’s innovation needs. This approach also includes active participation in regional events to map the innovation requirements of local businesses and provide them with access to essential knowledge and networks. The collaboration with Think East Netherlands further strengthens regional and European projects, particularly those centered on sustainable energy and digitalization[2].
Ongoing Projects and Initiatives
Windesheim and Oost NL have a history of successful projects aimed at boosting the region’s innovation capacity. Initiatives such as the ZWINC program support startups and scale-ups, offering early-stage funding through the Vroege Fase Fonds Overijssel. This collaboration also extends to sectors like circular polymer solutions, AI, and sustainable energy through various hubs and projects, including the AI-hub Oost-Nederland and Smart Energy Hubs. Additionally, Oost NL fosters innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by actively participating in research projects facilitated by Raak SIA and Sprongmiddelen from Windesheim[3].