Where innovation comes together
What is an Innovation District Breda?
An innovation district is an urban ecosystem where leading companies, knowledge institutions, startups and (creative) incubator spaces come together. The area combines working, learning, living, meeting and recreation in one dynamic environment. It is precisely this mix that makes innovation districts attractive for knowledge development and talent, while stimulating collaboration and open innovation.
Breda faces a challenge
Every city faces the same challenges: technology is developing ever faster, the population is ageing and there is increasing pressure to become more sustainable. Standing still is not an option. Breda, too, must take action to be and remain attractive to people with innovative ideas, businesses that want to grow and talent that wants to study and work here – and preferably stay on as well.
Fortunately, with its strong educational institutions, creative courses, innovative businesses and culture of collaboration, the city already has a lot to offer. The challenge is to make even better use of that strength. By connecting, innovating and turning knowledge more quickly into applications that genuinely make a difference.
If you want your economy to remain strong, you must innovate
Brigit van Dijk-van de Reijt
Brabant Development Agency
Why does Innovatiedistrict Breda exist?
The economy is facing major challenges worldwide. Labour shortages, an ageing population and a growing demand for technological solutions are just some of them. In Breda and the rest of West Brabant, labour productivity is growing relatively slowly, while the growth of knowledge-intensive business activity is lagging behind. And this at a time when the need for innovation is greater than ever.
What also stands out is that young talent is no longer simply looking for a job, but for a place where work, learning and social interaction come together. Good workspaces, digital facilities, hospitality, culture and space to meet one another all play an important role in this. Companies are also looking to connect. They want to collaborate more easily with startups, educational institutions, public authorities and other partners. And above all: to test their innovations in practice straight away.
What is our ambition?
In 2040, Breda will be the international hotspot for Applied Technology & Creativity. With a focus on Robotics & AI and Games & Creative Technology, the city connects knowledge and creativity with entrepreneurship and collaboration.
As a result, technology is not merely conceived, but effectively applied to products and services, businesses and social challenges. This ultimately benefits the entire city and region.
A direction we determine together
Innovation District Breda is driven by people and organisations from the city and region. The Advisory Board brings together different perspectives, knowledge and networks, and contributes to the direction and further development of the innovation district. In this way, businesses, educational institutions, government and civil society organisations work together to build a strong urban ecosystem.Read more
The perspective
By bringing technology and creativity even closer together, Breda becomes even more attractive to businesses and talent. This gives our city a distinctive position in the Netherlands and far beyond: as a city where Robotics & AI and Games & Creative Technology come together, and knowledge is quickly translated into practical applications.
Building Breda’s future together
Discover why Breda is developing an innovation district and what it takes to realise this ambition together with businesses, education, government and talent.
