Innovations in the high-tech industry make solutions true for major social issues such as the climate problem, livability in cities and shrinking areas and health care. This is proven by the at least 50 innovations a year from Innovatiecluster Drachten's companies. The growth predicted by the ING Economics Bureau this week for the high-tech industry in 2020 is therefore a logical consequence.
,’’In the high-tech industry, developments follow each other in rapid succession,’’ said Binne Visser, chairman of the collaborating high-tech companies of Innovatiecluster Drachten. ,,Moreover, eyes are on our industry for solutions to major social issues.’’ Visser cites renewable energy as an example of a solution to the climate problem. ,,Resato International from Assen, together with partners for the Northern Netherlands, is taking the lead in the development of hydrogen as a renewable fuel. And Whisper Power from Drachten has been pioneering hybrid generators for trucks, yachts and motor homes for years.''
Liveable and healthy
The scope of the ICD companies goes much further. To keep cities and shrinking regions livable and accessible, they supply sensor technology, cameras and smart software. Visser: ,,And to keep health care affordable and available to everyone, ZiuZ in Gorredijk, BD in Drachten and Horus in Bedum are developing techniques to help doctors make diagnoses faster and more accurately than ever. In this way, treatment can start at a very early stage of disease, increasing the chances of success than before.’’
light point
In its report, the bank calls the high-tech industry a bright spot by 2020, where other sectors are facing cooling economies and tensions in international trade. According to Visser, the high-tech sector is less cyclical and has shown stable growth for years. ,,The development of technology always continues, because the demand for better and smarter solutions never stops. Indeed, digitalization and the constant increase in process speed put solutions within reach that we could only dream about before.’’
Staff
Even though the Northern Netherlands does not experience the labor market tension of the West, companies in Friesland in particular are finding it more difficult to recruit staff. Visser agrees that this is especially noticeable in IT, according to the bank. ,,Until recently, IT companies didn't have to worry about sufficient enthusiasm. Now these companies also have to step up their efforts to fill all vacancies quickly and properly. That is why we like to work together with universities, colleges and ROCs on events such as Connect.frl and Engineering the Future, where the IT talent, operators and engineers of the Northern Netherlands come into contact with our companies.’’
Pillar
The ING Economics Department states in its report that with a production of approximately 146 billion euros in 2019, the technology industry is an important pillar of Dutch industry. After years of strong growth, the automotive and rubber and plastics industries in particular are experiencing difficulties. According to the report, entrepreneurs in the high-tech industry are positive about 2020, given their order position and the expected turnover. Read it here full report.