The mindset makes the difference

“It is good that Breda is thinking about the future. Without a clear economic focus, you run the risk of becoming primarily a pleasant place to live, while business activity takes place elsewhere. Then you will not attract young people. Brainport shows what an economic vision with concrete implementation can achieve: a choice was made to focus on high-tech and manufacturing, and an ecosystem was built around it. That cannot simply be copied, but it does contain elements that are relevant to Breda.

What matters is a culture of giving each other space to succeed and looking together at the bigger picture. For that, you need a few leading figures who take responsibility for the region. That mindset, with direct communication and shared ambition, makes all the difference. Focus is also crucial: choose what you want to excel at, as Breda is now doing by emphasising the application of technology and creativity. That creates networks and strengthens the willingness to collaborate.

The Innovation District is a driving force in this. Precisely because it is more than a campus; it is a hybrid model for working, living and learning. That creates vibrancy, even after working hours, and makes it more attractive to both companies and talent. There is already a great deal of positive energy; now the task is to turn that into tangible results and really get things moving.”