Wietske Veltman, alderman of the municipality of Leiden and president of Key Region Leiden
“With Key Region Leiden, formerly known as Economie071, we are working together to further highlight the region’s economic strengths at the national and European level. Our new name marks a change of direction in line with the priorities of the province, state and Europe with a focus on key technologies, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises, and a strong social positioning.
The name Key Region was chosen because the Leiden region is the only region in the Netherlands where so many key technologies, key enabling technologies in European jargon, are so close together. Here we have the highest knowledge density in the Netherlands when it comes to 8 of the 10 key enabling technologies. This is being worked on at Leiden Bio Science park, the NL Space Campus and Unmanned Valley with its sensor technology and drones. A unique position that is now being jointly propagated by the region at all relevant tables.
The National Technology Strategy (NTS) identifies the 10 key technologies on which the Netherlands wants to focus, such as cell technology, quantum, artificial intelligence and imaging technology. They form the basis for new products, services and solutions to pressing issues: from new medicines to smart earth observation and self-steering drones. Investing in these will create opportunities for innovations through subsidies, for investments and cooperation with knowledge institutions and companies. This is good for our region, for South Holland, for the Netherlands, for Europe, for life. In short: Science for life.”
‘Together we are committed to strengthening the innovative power of our region. We are intensifying cooperation with the province, state and Europe and ensuring a stronger connection between innovative clusters and the local economy.’
