University of the North roadshow

During a visit to the Innovation Cluster Drachten (ICD) on 10 November last, over 80 attendees got a glimpse of how knowledge institutions and 23 high-tech companies in the Northern Netherlands are working together on technical innovations that are applied across the world.

Achieving this ambition requires talent. Now and in the future. That is why this afternoon the subject human capital also offered.

The attendees were welcomed by Dick Powells, president of the Executive Board of Hanze University Groningen, “We want to form a network, not only in Groningen, Leeuwarden and Emmen, but at regional hubs where companies and knowledge institutions can cooperate with each other and make a connection between the ICD and technicians with the University of the North in Emmen, Delfzijl and Heerenveen, the so-called Hightech Ruit.”.

Marloes de Vos, Vice Site Manager at Philips Drachten, gave a presentation about the activities of Philips and the function of the SKILL building, which has been renovated and now serves as a meeting center for companies, educational institutions and students. 

Jacquelien Scherpen, Professor and Science Lead HTSM, outlined technical courses at the RUG and the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which employs 144 professors. Here, university lecturers can advance to the level of professor. "In different disciplines, we can connect and collaborate with ICD on solutions to societal problems, for example through Smart Industry and Digital Twinning," Scherpen said. Together with Philips, they worked on themes such as business innovation, production processes, agile, manufacturing and embedded intelligence. "The labour market is also very important, especially its social impact and the legal aspect."

Klaus Dijkstra, Lecturer vision and data science at NHL Stenden gave a lecture on practical applications of vision technology combined with training in high-tech systems using deep learning techniques. deep learningtechniques.

Arjen Edzes, Lecturer Regional Labour Market: "For the first time in history, we have more vacancies than unemployed people. This is not a problem that can be solved quickly. In fact, population projections show that we are in a flattening growth trend. Companies need to be creative and look at ways to attract people to come and work for them.

The program was closed by Gernant Deekens, chairman of the day, Secretary and Board Advisor of the University of the North.

According to Kees Vianen, Advisor Economy at Smallingerland Municipality, it was an inspiring meeting, “It's time to close the ‘High Tech Ruit’!”