Looking back in 2040, we will see that Breda has claimed its place on the international map

About Breda

“Breda still has untapped economic potential, but the foundations are solid. The Advisory Board and the way we work together are built on trust. The focus is smart too, because if you don’t choose, you lose. Breda makes choices, specifically in areas that will remain relevant, such as robotics and AI.

A major advantage is the space available for area development. Here, you can literally make innovation one with the city – something few cities have. It is encouraging that the city council is approaching this in this way; the Innovation District will help unlock its potential.”

About beer and innovation

“Swinkels has been around for more than 300 years because we keep reinventing ourselves. Innovation keeps us young. And helps us become more sustainable; we have been named the most sustainable brewery in the world three times in a row. Take our zero-emission malting plant in Eemshaven: an ingenious heat recovery system powered by heat pumps that run on electricity from wind turbines. Or the Farmer, Beer, Water project, through which we close water cycles between farmers, the brewery and nature. That is applied technology at its best.

AI and robotics are also playing an increasingly important role in our work, for example in marketing, quality control and process optimisation. That’s why I feel a strong affinity with the Innovation District: it’s also about innovating, connecting and taking responsibility.”

About the assignment

“The Innovation District will become the driving force behind Breda’s economic development. The power of collaboration has proven itself; those looking back in 2040 will see that Breda secured its place on the international map as a result. That will take time – Brainport, for example, has already existed for more than 25 years. But when we look back in the future, we will also see in Breda that the choice we are making now has worked.

In the region, we’re achieving what isn’t possible nationally: government, knowledge institutions and business are finding ways to work together. The lines of communication are much shorter here, and trust is high. While things at national level often get stuck in policy and consultation, real results are emerging here: projects, business activity and jobs. Brainport proved that, and Breda can do it too. There’s a strong foundation in place; now is the time to take the organisation and marketing to the next level. Then we’ll be able to say proudly: it was a good thing we started this together.”