Netherlands Innovation Hub Plans 16,500 New Jobs by 2035

2026-03-15 community

Enschede, Sunday, 15 March 2026.
Kennispark Twente has launched an ambitious decade-long strategy to transform into the technological heart of eastern Netherlands, targeting 700 companies and 16,500 jobs by 2035. The 230-hectare innovation campus currently hosts 480 companies and 12,000 students, generating nearly €1 billion annually. The strategy focuses on attracting knowledge-intensive startups, scale-ups, and established tech firms, particularly in semiconductor and medical technology sectors, while developing into a complete innovation ecosystem from research to market deployment.

Strategic Framework and Employment Growth Targets

The Kennispark Twente Area Strategy 2026-2035, developed jointly by the University of Twente, the municipality of Enschede, Kennispark Entrepreneurs, and the Kennispark area organization, represents a comprehensive roadmap for regional economic transformation [1][2]. The strategy targets a 26.923 percent increase in employment, growing from the current 13,000 jobs to 16,500 positions by 2035 [1][4]. This employment expansion accompanies plans to nearly double the number of companies from approximately 480 to 700, with over 40% expected to operate in the high-tech sector [1][2][4]. The initiative builds upon Kennispark’s existing economic foundation, which already generates nearly €1 billion in annual added value for the regional economy [1][4].

Specialized Technology Focus Areas

Kennispark Twente is positioning itself as the innovation hub for chip technology and medical technology in eastern Netherlands by 2035 [1][2][3][4]. The campus leverages advanced facilities including the High Tech Factory, MESA+ NanoLab, and New Origin to support the complete innovation chain from research and prototyping to pilot production and market introduction [3][8]. Recent international recognition of this technological focus came during the India-Netherlands Semicon Business Visitor’s Program in early March 2026, where Kennispark spotlighted Semiconductor Hub Twente and ChipTech Twente, attracting interest from over 50 Dutch firms seeking partnerships [7]. The medical technology sector benefits from collaboration between researchers, medical technology companies, and healthcare providers who work together at Kennispark to develop advanced MedTech solutions [1].

Educational Partnerships and Research Infrastructure

The innovation ecosystem at Kennispark brings together multiple educational institutions, creating opportunities for talent development at various levels [3]. The campus collaborates with the University of Twente, ROC van Twente, and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, fostering strong connections between education, research, and entrepreneurship [2][3]. This educational foundation supports the current population of over 12,000 students and thousands of researchers working across the 230-hectare campus [1][2][4]. Recent examples of this collaboration include the DIABASE project, where ZGT and the University of Twente’s TechMed Centre work together within the Pioneers in Health Care program, utilizing data from approximately 700 people with type 1 diabetes to improve healthcare outcomes [6].

Future Development and Regional Integration

Beyond its role as a technology hub, Kennispark plans to evolve into a vibrant district that integrates working, living, learning, and social activities [1][3][4][8]. The development includes space for culture, sports, hospitality, facilities, and additional housing, creating what organizers describe as ‘an optimal living, working, and innovation environment for talent and companies, in a high-quality setting on the edge of the green countryside’ [1]. The campus expansion strategy considers the Vredestein site as a promising development area [2]. Kennispark’s growth is central to the larger Spoorzone Hengelo-Enschede development program, which aims to add 30,000 homes and 30,000 jobs to the region [1][4]. The strategy also calls for €100 million in national government investment reserved in coalition agreements for innovation at regional campuses to strengthen the infrastructure and facilities at science parks like Kennispark [4].

Bronnen

innovation ecosystem technology startups