Think East Netherlands Day 2025 - from ambition to action
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, over 80 partners from East Netherlands gathered during the annual Think East Netherlands day at Perron038 in Zwolle. The meeting centered on one question: How can we, as a region, take concrete steps toward a strong, innovative future?
Strategic cooperation on themes such as smart energy, digitalization, food security, health, and circular economy is essential in this context. This collaboration not only strengthens our region but also showcases to The Hague and Brussels where the East Netherlands excels. After all, that is where the policy and investment decisions are made that will help shape our future.
For TECH.LAND, which focuses on cross-border cooperation in technology areas such as MedTech, battery technology, hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, and the circular economy, the day provided valuable starting points for further strengthening collaboration between Dutch and German partners.
Connecting across borders
A good example of this is the H2EART project, in which TECH.LAND actively contributed to the development of a robust application in collaboration with partners from both the Netherlands and Germany. By skillfully connecting regions and parties on both sides of the border, we established valuable value chains within the Smart Energy theme.
Thematic focus & shared energy
The core of the day was the collaborative development of the five Thematic Innovation Agendas. In interactive working sessions, participants focused on refining priorities, making decisions, and outlining follow-up steps. The sessions produced tangible results, including:
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Digital Industry & Technology: the contours of a new agenda were discussed, including the roles of partners and concrete actions.
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Smart Energy: recalibration of the innovation agenda with a focus on the common denominator. Content drives us together.
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Smart Food Production: working on a structure; we aim to meet more often in a more focused way.
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Prevention & MedTech: anchors have been set and deepened; profiling and increased focus are the next steps.
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Circular Economy: a structure has been established; there is a need for stronger positioning, better data sets, and regional embedding.
About Think East Netherlands
With over 30 partners, Think East Netherlands is the platform in East Netherlands where we work together on innovative solutions for a healthy and sustainable future for everyone. Alongside knowledge institutions, Economic boards, the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, regional governments, cluster organizations, and industry associations, we work together based on a common innovation agenda. Our focus is on five themes: Digital Industry & Technology, Smart Energy, Smart Food Production, Prevention & Medtech and Clean Energy. Think East Netherlands sees collaboration and innovation as the key to a better future. We invite you to join our mission and work together towards a more sustainable, healthier world. Think East Netherlands and join us!
More information www.thinkeast.nl
Source: ThinkEast.nl
Photo: Think East Netherlands