Within the ICD, we believe in sustainable careers in the region. A great example of this is Marten van Wijhe. On Thursday, Feb. 12, was his last day at ICD member Viventris. At the same time, he is starting a new challenge as a service technician for dental equipment, again with a regional company.
This keeps Marten connected to the Northern Netherlands. And it is precisely this regional strength that is also central within the ICD.
Strong regional roots
Marten has deep roots in the region. In the past, he was associated with Ericsson Emmen for many years, during the period when the company there played an important role in the technological development of the Northern Netherlands.
His career shows how professionals can continue to develop within the region. Not by looking further afield, but by seizing opportunities at innovative companies close to home. This fits in perfectly with the mission of the Innovatiecluster Drachten: to retain and strengthen talent in the Drachten region and the Northern Netherlands.
Involved within the HRM working group of the ICD.
In recent months, Marten fulfilled the role of chair of the HRM working group of the ICD. He did so in an accessible and participatory way. He brought people together and ensured open consultation among member companies.
Marten calls himself a “hard-core engineer,” yet it was precisely his broad outlook and connecting style that proved of great value. Previously, he had been active within the RD working group as a representative of FMI-Improvia, the name predecessor of Viventris. Thus, his involvement in the cluster has a longer history.
Thanks and good luck
Within the ICD we are going to miss his commitment, energy and positivity. On behalf of all member companies and especially the HRM working group, we thank Marten for his contribution to the Innovatiecluster Drachten.
At the same time, we wish him well in his new position. His transition underscores what the ICD stands for: working together, developing and building strong careers within the region.

Looking for new talent within the ICD network
Marten's departure creates space for a new chair within the HRM working group. This once again provides opportunities for talent from the Innovatiecluster Drachten's network.
We are confident that within our 23 member companies we will once again find a committed professional willing to contribute to knowledge sharing and collaboration in the region.
Together we continue to build a strong innovative ecosystem in Drachten and the Northern Netherlands.
