Cross-border NRW.innovativ Summit

"The NRW.innovativ Summit showcased the innovation strength of the German-Dutch border region," stated Silke Krebs, State Secretary at the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy, after the conference on February 19 at the IHK Nord Westfalen. Under the theme "Transfer in TECH.LAND: Turning Borders into Opportunities," over 100 participants from business, academia, and administration explored the TECH.LAND initiative, which unites and promotes innovation and research across the region.

"Our region proves that strong German-Dutch partnerships create innovations with international impact," emphasized Melanie Baum, Vice President of IHK Nord Westfalen. TECH.LAND offers businesses on both sides of the border a unique advantage, expanding opportunities for innovation. "We must leverage this potential," she urged. Strengthening binational cooperation is crucial in a time of increasing global challenges.

As a "transnational technology ecosystem," TECH.LAND supports companies in innovation projects across fields such as battery and hydrogen technology, robotics, medical technology, and circular economy. Hans Brouwers (Program Manager) and Melina Freudenthal (Head of Program Management Office) highlighted TECH.LAND’s role in facilitating EU funding access, international talent acquisition, and fostering cross-border business and research connections. "Especially SMEs benefit from these collaborations, accelerating innovation and boosting competitiveness," said Brouwers.

Best-practice examples at the summit illustrated how cross-border knowledge transfer drives success, including the collaboration between Dutch waste management company Twence B.V. and Münster’s municipal waste services. A key focus was on battery and circular economy innovations. State Secretary Silke Krebs emphasized: "The future lies in sustainable economic cycles. Through innovative approaches and cross-border cooperation, this region can become a role model."

Many thansk to all our TECH.LAND partners who supported this event and contributed to its great success!

Foto Copyright: Heiner Witte/IHK Nord Westfalen