Delegation from the Wirtschaftsjunioren Nord Westfalen visited Enschede and Hengelo
As part of the TECH.LAND initiative, a delegation from the Wirtschaftsjunioren Nord Westfalen recently visited Enschede and Hengelo to explore the dynamic innovation landscape in the eastern Netherlands. The two-day tour offered valuable insights into leading technology companies, research institutions, and the strong culture of entrepreneurship that characterizes the region.
A key stop on the tour was the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing (FIP-AM) at the University of Twente. Here, participants learned how cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and intelligent production processes are being developed through close collaboration between academia and industry. The visit highlighted the importance of applied research in driving industrial transformation.
At Demcon, a company known for its complex systems in MedTech, robotics, and high-tech engineering, the delegation was introduced to a strong entrepreneurial spirit combined with a clear societal focus. This visit showcased how innovation can be purpose-driven and commercially successful at the same time.
The group also attended presentations on the TECH.LAND programme and the Centre for Netherlands Studies, both of which are central platforms for fostering cross-border knowledge exchange and supporting regional collaboration in technology and innovation.
Workshops at the University of Twente added a hands-on dimension to the programme. One focused on digital transformation in the B2B sector, led by the agency TRIMM, while another explored circular construction practices and sustainable building materials, presented by Professor Christian Struck from Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
A visit to Thales provided insight into how a global leader in defense and security technologies works closely with research institutions to stay at the forefront of innovation. The tour concluded with an informal exchange with members of the Young Twente Board at the Twentse Bierbrouwerij, where participants reflected on innovation culture, entrepreneurship, and future cooperation opportunities.
The TECH.LAND Tour made clear that cross-border collaboration offers real added value—not only for businesses and research institutions, but also for the people and regions involved. The Dutch innovation culture, with its strong technological focus, offers fresh perspectives that can enrich and inspire regional development on both sides of the border. Stronger ties between academia and industry, and the bundling of expertise within clusters, are key to shaping a more sustainable and competitive future.
This tour was made possible with the support of IHK Nord Westfalen, the "Zentrum für Niederlande-Studien", TECH.LAND and the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland programme, co-financed by the European Union.