If you want your economy to remain strong, you HAVE to innovate

The driving force behind Brabant’s economy

“Our mission is clear,” says Brigit. “We want a strong Brabant economy, and that will only succeed if we continue to innovate. That is why we encourage innovation by attracting relevant parties from the Netherlands and abroad to the region, and helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to market more quickly.”

According to her, this is necessary to maintain Brabant’s competitive position. “We face major challenges: an ageing population, climate change, grid congestion and labour shortages. Labour productivity is declining, while demand for smart solutions continues to grow. If you want your economy to remain strong, you have to innovate.”

Start-ups and established companies

“Startups bring energy, courage and creativity,” she continues. “They get things moving. But it is just as important for established companies to get involved. They have the scale and resources to take innovations to the next level.” BOM, which operates on behalf of the Province of North Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, brings these worlds together. For example, through innovation programmes, trade missions, events and growth capital. According to Brigit, the latter presents a challenge. “BOM is one of the most active venture capitalists in the Netherlands. Last year, we organised an entrepreneurs’ tour with Invest-NL and EZK in Breda, raised one hundred million for defence-related innovations and mobilised private funds for deep-tech investments. In many cases, the money is available, but it needs to be made more accessible. That is also where the Innovation District has a role to play.”

Brabant and Breda strengthen each other

According to her, Breda is an important link in Brabant’s innovation ecosystem. “Choosing Applied Technology & Creativity is a very good one. In doing so, the city connects technology with practice. It also has a whole range of internationally renowned organisations where these applications are put into practice – in sectors that are hugely relevant to the whole of Brabant: healthcare, defence and the food industry.”

She explicitly places the Innovation District in a broader perspective. “What happens here affects the entire Brabant and even national economy. The innovations that emerge here contribute to our broad prosperity and to solutions for societal challenges. And the Innovation District’s themes – applied technology, robotics, gaming and the creative industries – align perfectly with the regional investment agenda.”

Time to get cracking

“This development brings everything together,” she continues. “The council plays a key role by creating space, making connections and acting as a launching customer. That inspires confidence and makes it attractive to invest here. If we maintain this momentum, Breda can grow into the leading centre for applied innovation in Western Europe. The direction is clear, the energy is there, and the mutual understanding is strong. This is the moment for the Innovation District; everyone is ready. Now is the time to press ahead.”