On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the Innovatiecluster Drachten (ICD), in collaboration with Rabobank, organized an interactive afternoon for the Northern Netherlands manufacturing industry. A total of 31 companies from the region participated.
The meeting focused on an urgent question: how do we, as a manufacturing industry in the Northern Netherlands, remain competitive and resilient in a time of geopolitical uncertainty, labor shortages and an aging population?
In doing so, we emphatically looked beyond technology alone. Automation and digitization are important prerequisites. Ultimately, however, process design, well-trained employees and organizational culture make the difference.
Interaction and practical application central
From the beginning, the emphasis was on interaction and applicability. Participants actively engaged with their own practical questions. This created open discussions about shared challenges within production companies in the Drachten region and beyond.
The afternoon's events included the following:
- Demonstration by a Philips intern from NHL Stenden
- Learning to program an UR robot yourself
- Preparing your own automation case
- Exchange of experiences between companies
This very combination of knowledge transfer and direct application created engagement and concrete insights.
Three workshops on automation and innovation
Practical tools were further covered in three content workshops:
- 3D printing, provided by Twan Huijbers (Binder3D)
- Robotics, supervised by Tim Faber (EDIH)
- Factory automation, with Jolien Drent (NHL Stenden) and Anke Kloosterman (Firda)
Each session focused on the translation to one's own organization. Not only the technology, but especially the implementation in daily practice was discussed.
From inspiration to action in manufacturing
The shared issues created recognition and connection among the companies present. At the same time, substantive discussion about concrete solutions ensued.
With that, it did not stop at inspiration alone. The central question was always: what step can you take tomorrow when you are back at your desk?
This is precisely where the strength of the Innovatiecluster Drachten lies. By bringing companies in the Northern Netherlands together around automation, digitization and process improvement, we accelerate innovation in the manufacturing industry.
Together we are working toward a future-proof and competitive industry in the region.
