TECH.LAND at the 3+3 Meeting in Gelsenkirchen
On 18 June 2025, another edition of the regular 3+3 meeting between North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands took place – this time at the historic Berge Castle in Gelsenkirchen, at the invitation of Andreas Bothe, President of the District Government of Münster (Regierungspräsident).
The event brought together representatives from the governmental districts of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Münster, alongside delegates from the Dutch provinces of Gelderland, Limburg and Overijssel. Among the participants were also further TECH.LAND partners: the University of Münster and WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH
These meetings serve as an important platform for exchange and alignment on cross-border topics. Representatives from politics, administration, and academia discussed key developments, common challenges and concrete projects in areas such as economy, science, energy, education, and mobility.
Special attention was given to joint efforts in water management, the development of regional planning and educational structures, and future cooperation opportunities.
One of the day’s highlights was the contribution of Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels, Rector of the University of Münster, and Babette Nieder, Managing Director of WiN Emscher-Lippe. Both elaborated on the TECH.LAND initiative in response to an invitation from the District Government of Münster. They outlined:
- how TECH.LAND has developed as a cross-border network that treats the border not as a barrier but as a connecting element,
- the central themes and priorities that shape this collaboration, and
- the role the University of Münster plays through its strategic partnership with the University of Twente.
This remarks made clear: Cross-border collaboration between science, business, and policy is not just a vision but a working reality — and a defining feature of TECH.LAND.
The 3+3 meeting once again demonstrated the clear added value of strong German-Dutch cooperation — and the importance of shared dialogue in shaping a common future.
Photo Source: Bezirksregierung Münster
Text Source: Linkedin Bezirksregierung Münster