Why we write about this topic:
Innovation Origins is known for consistently looking ahead. What will 2023 bring to the world of innovation? We look ahead to what is about to happen at Kennispark Twente, together with acting director Marieke Stokkelaar. “The medtech here in the region is gaining momentum.”
Collaboration and cluster formation are the most important. You can achieve more together, Stokkelaar starts. “You can see that cross-border work is a must for innovation and collaboration at Kennispark. Only taking care of your own business location will no longer work.”
Booming medtech
In addition, plans are being made in Twente to take indispensable technologies for today’s world, such as medical technology and chip technology, to a higher level. In 2022, the medtech cluster in the region was already doing well. A lot of hard work was done at Kennispark to professionalize this cluster. 2023 is also all about this. One of the concrete plans: a team that includes various managers (a Care & Cure Manager, a Business Community manager and an Internationalization manager) must connect companies, hospitals, healthcare institutions and other relevant partners. “In this way, the needs of companies and the issues in the healthcare sector are professionally linked. We are also working on an investment agenda for issues emerging from the cluster. We therefore expect this cluster to continue to grow next year, which will help the healthcare sector move forward.”
In the same vein, Stokkelaar is looking forward to the construction of the MedTech Factory, which will be realized partly thanks to financial support from Europe (the REACT-EU funds) and the RegioDeal funds. This is a facility for medical technology companies, not just from Twente but for the whole of the Netherlands and Western Europe. With the expected permits being issued in 2023, we hope that construction of the factory will actually start. All in all, medtech is gaining momentum here in the region.”
Thriving chiptech
Chiptech is not left behind in Twente either. In 2023, a new research program for heterogeneous systems for chips will be set up, among other things. Technologies such as microelectronics, photonics, quantum and microfluidics all come together in this programme. “We are also collaborating nationally with Brainport, PhotonDelta, Oost NL, Delft and HighTech NL. Behind the scenes, hard work is being done on a national agenda to strengthen chip design, because if we are extremely good at something in the world, it is chip design. We really need to invest in this at a national and European level, so that we continue to train enough talent, for example. After all, a world without chips is unthinkable, and it all starts with design.”
The expected opening of the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing in 2023 will also give the clusters a boost. The facility offers the opportunity to translate scientific knowledge into applicable technological innovations of the smart industry. Among other things, the location will have a test factory with production systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Climate ambitions
Finally, in addition to strengthening the clusters, sustainability will be a hot topic in 2023. For example, Stokkelaar would like to see steps taken when it comes to the heat supply, although that will be a major task. “From January 1, 2023, label C will be mandatory for property owners, but we will eventually have to move to label A. Label C is often still possible, but the next step is more difficult. Especially with new real estate developments on the way, you would prefer a collective solution, because otherwise everyone will opt for a -perhaps more expensive- solution for themselves.”
A sustainable drinking water system is also a must. “In order for a certain type of companies to settle at Kennispark in the future, we have to look at the availability of water. The extraction of drinking water from the environment/water network is becoming increasingly difficult due to the scarcity and will no longer be sufficient for the production process for certain types of companies.” Various partners at Kennispark are already looking into whether a good solution can be found. “The presence of the sewage water treatment plant, the Twente Canal, and innovative companies at our park are parameters that we take into account in the feasibility of smart solutions.”
“Of course, we prefer to go for innovative solutions, as befits an innovation district!”, concludes the director.
Collaboration
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