Key Region Leiden calls on the Authority Consumer & Market (ACM) to give knowledge and innovation campuses a structural place in the allocation of scarce grid capacity. In an official response to the draft decision on priority for community projects, the region stressed how important campuses are to national security, health and strategic autonomy. Read the full response here.

Unique innovation environments

Campuses are not ordinary business locations. They are unique innovation environments where knowledge institutions, companies and governments collaborate intensively on solutions to the great challenges of our time – from fighting pandemics to defense technology. In the Leiden region, this is happening at:

• Leiden Bio Science Park, which plays a unique role in the production of vaccines, drugs and biotech innovations, and where crucial knowledge surrounding infectious diseases and pandemics comes together.
• NL Space Campus, working on satellite data, space technology and applications for civil and defense security, with direct linkage to strategic autonomy.
• Unmanned Valley, a testing and innovation center for drones, unmanned systems, sensorics and autonomous technologies with applications in national security, border control and disaster response.

Without reliable power, these ecosystems cannot fulfill their societal function. The effects of grid congestion are already being felt: new labs and facilities cannot be connected, companies are considering departure, and urgent innovations are being delayed.

Separate category needed

Key Region Leiden therefore argues for a separate category within the ACM decision: knowledge and innovation campuses. Social projects within recognized campuses that contribute to safety, health and technology development should be given priority for grid connections.

“In a world where strategic autonomy is increasingly important, it is crucial that the Netherlands protect and strengthen its knowledge and innovation base. For this, campuses are indispensable – and they cannot do without power,” the regional partners said.

Read the full response here.

On July 7 at the Leiden Bio Science Park (LBSP), the renewed public-private partnership was launched for the Leiden-Katwijk-Noordwijk knowledge axis. Under the name Key Region Leiden, seven municipalities, three knowledge institutions, three entrepreneurial associations and three innovation clusters are joining forces to further strengthen the regional economy – built around 3 key sectors.

“With the LBSP, the NL Space Campus and Unmanned Valley, the region has gold in its hands,” said Wietske Veltman, Leiden alderman for economic affairs and chairman of Key Region Leiden “These three clusters are all unique in the Netherlands and of great importance for health, safety and European strategic autonomy. Together they form one innovation region that we are further strengthening with this public-private partnership. This is how we work on the economy of the future and the broad prosperity of tomorrow.”

From fundamental knowledge to application

Key Region Leiden brings science and application together. Within the 3 innovation clusters – bioscience, space and unmanned systems – 8 of the 10 key technologies are being worked on. From fundamental research at Leiden University and LUMC and technical ESA/ESTEC projects to high-tech companies converting this knowledge into groundbreaking innovations

Those applications were highlighted in Plus Ultra by entrepreneurs and researchers from the innovation clusters;

• Meatable offers a solution to the climate impact of meat consumption with cultured meat.
• Soilspect uses satellite data to help construction projects run more efficiently.
• ANWB Medical Drones is working on a nationwide network of medical delivery drones.
• Huschka Security provides security for these knowledge-intensive businesses and links to the local economy.
• The practorate of mboRijnland and the lectorate of Hogeschool Leiden explained the value of practice-based research.

MBO Rijnland Board President Otto Jelsma talked about how the collaboration between research, education and business for training and retaining talent is being addressed. “By training together and binding talent to the region, we not only strengthen the innovation clusters, but also precisely the broad-based SMEs. That is crucial for a future-proof economy.”

Leonie Hussaarts, Key Region Leiden director, summed up the afternoon nicely “Thanks to this collaboration, we can share knowledge much faster and smarter and engage in surprising crossovers. From quantum in drug development to shared use of cleanrooms. This is important for the Netherlands and Europe because it allows us to maintain our key position in these crucial areas. It is also important for all inhabitants of this region because thanks to this flourishing (knowledge) economy we can build broad prosperity together “

Three top clusters and eight of ten key technologies

Key Region Leiden focuses on three sectors important to Europe’s health, security and strategic autonomy:

Bioscience

With 519 organizations and more than 26,000 employees, the LBSP is the largest life sciences and health campus in the Netherlands and also the fastest growing campus in the Netherlands (Buck consultants 2024). This is where the therapies, drugs and vaccines of the future are being developed. For example, work is being done on organ models on a chip that make animal testing unnecessary and on vaccines that can be administered via a nasal spray.

Esther Peters, LBSP director: “The Leiden Bio Science Park is the largest life science & health cluster in the Netherlands. Bio science is number one of the 12 growth markets defined by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and life sciences as 1 of 10 key technologies is important for the growth of our national economy. If we want to maintain our leading position in Europe and continue to contribute to the future of health and technologies of tomorrow, we must invest today in infrastructure that supports our growth. We like to do this together with our strong region. In addition, Life sciences & health is increasingly driven by Data & AI. The cross-pollination in the region, with space technology and data and drones, accelerates the development of this knowledge and applications with tangible impact.”

Space

The NL Space Campus has grown around the technical heart of the European Space Agency; ESA / ESTEC. Here more than 125 companies come together and more than 4,000 people work. Not only precision components for satellites are developed but also space technology is used for solutions to societal issues such as flexible energy storage in iron ore.

Marc Sandelowsky, director NL Space Campus: “We see that momentum and attention to space technology and data has greatly increased as a result of the current geopolitical situation. The Netherlands can now cash in on its position as host country of ESA/ESTEC and fully support companies working with space technology. With this collaboration, the wider region now fully supports this “.

Unmanned systems

Unmanned Valley is the largest campus in the Netherlands in the field of unmanned systems. Here, systems are developed and tested for air, road and water. The drone sector in Europe is expected to at least double in the coming years.

Theo de Vries, director Unmanned Valley: “The demand for drones has increased exponentially, both for societal applications, such as crop inspection, and for security purposes. At Unmanned Valley, companies are given support and space to develop and test new models; for use in the air as well as on land and underwater.”

Within these clusters, 8 of the 10 key technologies from the National Technology Strategy are being worked on, including quantum technology, AI and data.

Leonie Hussaarts; “The Draghi report clearly shows that investing heavily in a strong innovation climate is vital for Europe. High-tech, space and medicine are explicitly named as crucial. By investing in innovation in these areas as a knowledge region, we contribute to this task and keep innovative entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. “.

Important for all activity in the region

Key Region Leiden is more than just high-tech and bioscience. The region is firmly committed to connecting with the local economy and on space for business.

“Key Region Leiden is a compact region where every square meter counts. In order to continue providing space for both the knowledge economy and the local economy, we must focus on compacting, making our business parks more sustainable and greening them. We want to do this through the development of a Spatial Development Company (ROM-B),” said Jacco Knape, alderman in Katwijk and administrative booster of the ROM-B.

We are also actively working on a Key Region Leiden pillar that connects the knowledge economy to the local economy.

Martijn van Pelt, board member at Key Region Leiden and chairman of VNO-NCW Rijnland: “Studies, such as from research firm Atlas, show that the knowledge economy is truly the engine of economic development in the region. However, those knowledge-intensive companies also need suppliers and their employees a vibrant hospitality industry and nice retail offerings. We are committed to all entrepreneurs in the region “.

Broad prosperity for all residents

The knowledge economy contributes enormously to the earning power of the region. This generates revenue that can be reinvested in amenities for all residents.

Wietske Veltman: “The LBSP has provided the municipality of Leiden with 56.9 mln over the period 2014-2022. That is more than 7 mln per year that we can invest in facilities for our residents. Strengthening the knowledge clusters thus contributes to maintaining the broad prosperity of the region.”

Otto Jelsma, MBO Rijnland board chairman: “What many people don’t know is that about 40% of the jobs at LBSP are filled at the MBO level. These are professionals with very special experience. Thanks to the cooperation with companies and governments within Key Region Leiden but also within specialized initiatives such as the Centra voor Innovatief Vakmanschap, we ensure that companies can find those professionals and that employees can gain interesting new knowledge.”

450 years of scientific tradition

In Key Region Leiden, science is brought to businesses to shape solutions to social problems. This fits with the scientific tradition in Leiden and the surrounding area; Leiden University was founded in 1575 as the first in the Netherlands and has largely shaped the pioneering mentality in the region.

Karin Horsman, director of strategy and academic affairs Leiden University “As a university, we place great importance on connecting with society and business. For example, thanks to all the companies at LBSP, we see that the fundamental knowledge we build up within the university and LUMC is transformed into therapies and medicines that directly make a difference in people’s lives. Strengthening this further is in keeping with our social mission”.

Building on 10 years of triple helix collaboration

Key Region Leiden is building on 10 years of triple helix cooperation within Key Region Leiden. The past year has seen an intensive development, with fundamental choices being made and new members joining. In addition to the three knowledge clusters, this includes the municipality of Noordwijk, which has become a partner specifically to strengthen the knowledge economy.

• Check out our Key Region Leiden Infographic.

‘Unmanned and autonomous technology offers solutions to today’s big challenges. We want to enable everyone to develop and use this technology. That is why we are happy to join Key Region Leiden as a knowledge partner to strengthen the Leiden – Katwijk – Noordwijk knowledge axis,’ said Theo de Vries, director of Unmanned Valley in Katwijk.

Largest in the Netherlands

Unmanned Valley is convinced that unmanned and autonomous technology offers solutions to issues related to energy transition, personnel shortages, logistics, defense, agriculture and much more. De Vries: “We bring together knowledge, supply and demand from the entire chain. In recent years, the former Naval Air Station has been transformed into the Dutch center for unmanned technology. Increasingly, leading companies and knowledge institutions are finding their way to our campus. This is thanks to our central location and state-of-the-art facilities. We organize knowledge events, manage the largest UAS test field in the Netherlands, advise organizations in the field of unmanned technology and rent office/meeting rooms to innovative organizations’.

Solutions to pressing issues

Sensor-based technology is already being used in numerous places. From remote sensing for recognizing and predicting diseases in flower bulbs to solutions for various safety issues such as securing critical infrastructure. Great examples of dual-use of drone technology. With the continued development and integration of robotization, artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning and Internet of Things, the number of useful applications is growing rapidly. For everyone – from composite developers and robotics manufacturers to companies active in artificial intelligence, service providers and end users – it is important that technologies and applications can be tested. Preferably close to where the research and development also takes place. Unmanned Valley offers that space in its extensive field lab consisting of 25 acres of UAS test field and 2,000m² indoor test center.

The field lab is run by the Unmanned Valley Foundation, an initiative of TU Delft and the Municipality of Katwijk.

The future of health is not written in a laboratory, but in an entire ecosystem. That is why the leading Leiden Bio Science Park is happy to be a knowledge partner of Key Region Leiden.

‘The partners of Key Region Leiden form a large network that runs from Noordwijk with its NL Space Campus, through Leiden to Unmanned Valley in Katwijk. We are happy to contribute to the ambition of making this an even stronger axis of knowledge and production. That is not only good for the park, but for all companies in the region,” says Esther Peters, director of LBSP.

European top

Leiden Bio Science Park is the largest life sciences & health cluster in the Netherlands and ranks among the top in Europe. The park drives innovations that contribute to a healthier society. Together with NL Space Campus and Unmanned Valley, it is one of the three strategic knowledge clusters within Key Region Leiden. Close cooperation between education, research, companies and governments, the so-called multi-helix, creates a unique ecosystem here where knowledge is actively shared and successfully transformed into social and economic impact.

Complete ecosystem

Leiden Bio Science Park is built on collaboration. Here, more than 26,000 professionals and 27,000 students at all levels (from mbo and hbo to university) work on the health of tomorrow. The park houses 519 organizations, including 386 companies (including 92 start-ups), 133 research and educational institutions, and various social and cultural institutions.

Number 1

What makes the park special is the complete chain that comes together here – from basic research to large-scale production, from molecule to patient. All with a broad focus: from lifestyle and prevention to regenerative medicine, advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapy, and data-driven applications in MedTech and AI. Not for nothing does Leiden rank No. 1 in the Netherlands when it comes to biotech patents and drug production.

Shared challenges

Within the Key Region Leiden cooperation, Leiden Bio Science Park works on shared challenges such as attracting and retaining talent, labor market shortages, network congestion and connecting practice-oriented education with the rapidly changing world of technology and healthcare. Thanks to the interweaving of education, research and entrepreneurship, the park offers plenty of opportunities for talent development, knowledge sharing and innovation.

International investments

With its strong international reputation, innovative strength and central location, Leiden Bio Science Park offers an attractive investment climate for (inter)national companies and financiers. The affiliation with Key Region Leiden strengthens the joint positioning of the region as a breeding ground for knowledge, talent and activity. Together we are building the future of health, locally and globally.

Facts & figures

• Leiden Bio Science Park is the largest life sciences & health cluster in the Netherlands and the European leader.
• The park is an incubator for cutting-edge innovation. From cell and gene therapy to smart MedTech solutions with AI.
• More than 26,000 professionals and 27,000 students (mbo, hbo and wo) work here daily on the health of tomorrow.
• Affiliation with Key Region Leiden strengthens the region’s joint positioning as an incubator for knowledge, talent and business.
• Together we are building the future of health, locally and globally.

Key Region Leiden has several clusters as knowledge partners, including NL Space Campus. The Noordwijk campus is the beating heart of the Dutch space sector and plays a key role in space technology that also makes a difference on Earth. The campus is a valuable addition to our network and will further strengthen our innovation ecosystem.

Incubator for technology and talent

At NL Space Campus, companies, knowledge institutions and governments are working together on groundbreaking technologies with applications beyond space travel alone – think innovations in agriculture, energy and transportation. The campus offers unique facilities such as the CometLab, where students, startups and companies can develop, test and scale up concepts. In addition, a Space Simulation Chamber will open in late 2025, allowing young developers to test their products in a simulated space environment.

Collaboration as a key to growth

Director Marc Sandelowsky emphasizes the importance of cooperation: “By acting together within Key Region Leiden, we create the right preconditions for growth. We can share knowledge, apply for funding together and have a stronger voice in The Hague and Europe. In this way we increase the impact of innovation in the Leiden region and far beyond.”

Opportunities for startups and scale-ups

The campus is closely linked to the technological heart of the European Space Agency (ESA), ESTEC, and houses programs such as ESA PhiLab Netherlands and ESA Technology Broker NL. These initiatives encourage cooperation between research institutions and market players, and help new, sustainable companies with commercial potential get started – including outside the space sector.

‘Today’s global and societal challenges are so great that we can only face them together. It is therefore logical that Key Region Leiden and Noordwijk have recently been working together more and more intensively to strengthen the knowledge economy in our rego,’ said Pim van Stien, alderman for Economy, Finance and Space in the municipality of Noordwijk. (Photo: Wendy Mensink)

Knowledge and innovation

‘We do this along the knowledge and innovation axis that runs from the Bio Science Park in Leiden, via Unmanned Valley in Katwijk to the NL Space Campus in Noordwijk. Three clusters with great economic impact and lots of growth potential. Through even more cooperation, synergy and innovative crossovers, we can maximize this potential. And that is good for the economy in Noordwijk, the entire Dune and Flowerbulb Region and the Leiden region’.

Security and prosperity

‘Noordwijk is aware of the unique contribution we make as a space municipality to social issues. With the Space cluster, consisting of ESA/ESTEC and the activity and research at the NL Space Campus, we are uniquely positioned. Space technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives: for navigation, communication, climate adaptation, and environmental and nitrogen policy. It is essential for our safety and prosperity’.

Sandwiches and jobs

‘The sector offers enormous opportunities for future-proof employment and earning power in the region, the province and the Netherlands. Sandwiches and jobs for our residents, opportunities for our entrepreneurs. That is why we are working hard to make the NL Space Campus the focal point of these developments. Together with the province, the state, Key Region Leiden, ESA, Economic Board Duin- en Bollenstreek, Holland Rijnland and all our partners, we are building the Space Campus into one of the most important European space hubs. A place where companies, researchers, students and pupils work together on the challenges of the future. Challenges that, given the geopolitical developments, will only get bigger’.

Key region

‘Space technology is therefore a spearhead of our economic cooperation. Together with the other partners of Key Region Leiden, in the coming years we will work towards one powerful knowledge region: a European key region, with strong clusters working together to find solutions to the major issues of our time. Noordwijk is looking forward to working together!

Why a Spatial Development Corporation business parks (ROM-B) in the Leiden region? Because space is scarce and cooperation is necessary. Moreover: ‘Where you live, you must also be able to work,’ said Alderman Jacco Knape of the municipality of Katwijk. Willem-Jan Zirkzee, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden adds: ‘Speed and clarity are of great importance, as are preconditions.’

City Affairs

More and more regions are opting for a development company to future-proof business parks, as Stadszaken, a journalistic platform on urban development, describes in this article. In the Leiden region, too, we are exploring the possibilities of establishing a ROM-B.

Building together

The ROM-B is not an end in itself, but a means to build together a strong, sustainable economy in our region. We learn from other regions, but also share our experiences. For example, we are a pilot of region Holland Rijnland in which 13 municipalities work together.

Complex process

Our exploration is conducted by quartermaster Paul Vismans. He says: ‘A process of restructuring, relocation and densification takes a lot of time. It is especially important to gather the right people in a team, with knowledge and experience in this form of area development and with special qualities such as goal-oriented work, willingness to manage risks in a complex process and the determination to bring such operations to a successful conclusion.’

Colleges and committees

On Tuesday, June 3, the colleges of the six participating municipalities were briefed on the process. Presentations will soon follow in the committees of our municipal partners and we will also visit a number of boards of business associations. Keep an eye on this website for the latest news.

• Want to know more about our vision for densification, sustainability and greening of business parks? Then read the interview with alderman Jacco Knape of the city of Leiden or the interview with Willem Jan Zirkee, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden.

The Leiden region has everything it needs to make an impact in Europe: key technologies in bioscience, space and drones, strong triple helix collaborations and an ecosystem where innovation is literally within cycling distance. But how do we smartly approach the way we work towards Brussels? We talked about this during the Europe Table. Led by Mayor Peter Heijkoop of the City of Leiden, a number of speakers took us through the possibilities and opportunities.

Pooling goals

MEP Jeannette Baljeu: “Cooperation at the European level is not a luxury, but a necessity. Bundle your goals and be very concrete. That way you can make an impact as a region. That does require the region to be very aware of its own strengths.”

Partnerships

Karen van Dantzig (Dutch Urban Envoy) outlined the new direction of the European Commission: “The strength of regions lies in their ability to translate European ambitions into concrete innovations. Ecosystems such as in the Leiden region – where key technologies converge – show how regional cooperation can contribute to strategic European goals. Partnerships that forge broad coalties in the process stand out in Brussels.”

Solutions

Paul de Bruijn (Committee of the Regions): “The key to European influence lies in cooperation. Only if we tell one story as a region can we reach Brussels. MEPs listen for solutions that work – and we have them. By joining forces, we increase our visibility as well as our clout.”

Trump in control

Many insights were shared during the meeting that call for a follow-up. The challenge now is to come up with a joint EU approach together, in which we actively bring the solutions from our key sectors to Brussels. What does that mean in concrete terms? Smart cooperation on innovation and R&D, across municipal borders, where coalitions with like-minded regions within Europe is also a smart strategy. Connecting (programs for) startups and scale-ups from the bio science, space and unmanned systems sectors. The Leiden region holds a trump card in this regard, as nowhere will you find so many key technologies together!

The next step? On July 7, we will launch our new name and direction as a regional cooperation. With that story, we will set out together, including towards Brussels. Follow us not to miss it.

At the end of February, Paul Vismans was appointed as quartermaster for the study of setting up a Spatial Development Company for Business Parks (ROM-B). He started enthusiastically. ‘The assignment for Key Region Leiden is a joy for me because I get to share my long-standing experience as director of a similar vehicle, the ROM-D in the Drechtsteden, with the Leiden region,’ Vismans explains. ‘In the Drechtsteden, we have gone through a long learning curve with the ROM-D, especially over the past ten years, as a result of which ROM-D now has the position and trust of the Drechtsteden and the results are visible.’

Beautiful instrument

‘A ROM, if properly structured, is a wonderful instrument, but not an end in itself. It is about creating space for business, especially on existing business sites. Everywhere, including the Drechtsteden and also the Leiden region, we are facing a shortage of business land’.

Importance of the right team

‘A process of restructuring, relocation and densification requires a lot of time. It is especially important to gather the right people in a team, with knowledge and experience in this form of area development and with special qualities such as goal-oriented work, willingness to manage risk in a complex process and the determination to bring such operations to a successful conclusion.’

Independent

‘Furthermore, it is important that a ROM presents itself independently and treats both governments and market participants with respect. Connection is the key word here. The involvement of entrepreneurs in the choice of locations, plans and ideas is also crucial; after all, you are doing it for them.’

Start with QuickScan

‘It starts with getting to the bottom of the QuickScan recently delivered by Bureau Buiten of the first four sites. We will have to go through these to make the right choices for the most (financially) feasible plans and to see which business cases have the greatest chance of success. However, it remains hard work to arrive at supported and financeable plans’.

Funding and added value

‘Subsequently, through good governance, the Leiden municipalities will be asked to capitalize the ROM-B and cover any deficits, possibly together with the province, on a business case-by-business case basis, ultimately resulting in social added value. A ROM-B works with revolving capital, which means that after being used, it returns to the ROM and is reused. No loss cover, then, but permanent social capital’.

Cooperation in the region

‘The Leiden region has a lot of potential with some big strong conglomerates and science parks, but also a wide range of SMEs. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in the Leiden region!’

Information Round

Before the summer, an information round will take place for colleges and council committees of municipalities in the Leiden region. The chairmen of business associations are also invited to attend. Paul Vismans will give an explanation and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. After the summer, an excursion to a ROM organization is planned with council members who are interested. Also keep an eye on this website for updates.

The economy in the Leiden region is growing, but space for business is scarce. As companies look for expansion opportunities, existing sites are being used more and more intensively. Entrepreneurs in the region see the urgency of a structured approach to revitalize business parks, use space more efficiently and develop new sites. The Ruimtelijke Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Bedrijventerreinen (ROM-B) should play a key role in this effort. We speak with Willem Jan Zirkzee, chairman of Ondernemend Leiden, about the challenges and opportunities the ROM-B offers entrepreneurs.

Why is the ROM-B so important to entrepreneurs?
“For entrepreneurs, it is crucial that plans for spatial development actually get implemented and do not remain stuck in strategy. Soft plans must be solidified and we must take steps toward realization. That means not only making existing business parks more efficient and sustainable, but also looking at where we can find new space. Without additional business space, we cannot properly facilitate business growth and the transition to a circular economy.”

>> ‘Make grid congestion part of the solution’

How can existing sites be better utilized?
“Through densification of business parks, which also involves increasing the height, we can use the available space much more effectively. That means redesigning outdated business parks, not only to make better use of space, but also to make them future-proof. Think about modernizing the infrastructure, energy facilities and a better mix of business activity on the sites. And that should also fit with the standards in the neighboring areas. Of course, grid congestion is additionally a challenge, but we have to see it as an obstacle to be overcome and make it part of the solution.”

What else is needed besides better utilization?
“Simply densifying and restructuring is not enough to meet the space needs of businesses. The initiated transformation of some existing business parks to other functions, such as housing, means that new space must be found elsewhere. The need for expansion has been identified in the STEC study, among others, and cannot be ignored. As far as we are concerned, the ROM-B should also help to find and develop new sites.”

>> ‘Entrepreneurs are willing to invest’

What role does sustainability play in these plans?
“Sustainability and circularity are not separate goals, but preconditions in everything we do. We want future-proof business parks in which greening, sustainable energy solutions and accessibility are self-evident. Entrepreneurs understand this and are willing to invest, provided there is a clear long-term vision from governments and other stakeholders and provided they are actively involved in decision-making. The ROM-B can contribute to the right conditions and investments.”

What do entrepreneurs need to accelerate this process?
“Speed, clarity and that the framework conditions are in place. We need concrete projects that we can get to work on immediately, rather than long exploration processes without tangible results. The project pipeline and quick scan now underway will help prioritize. But we must ensure that this phase also leads quickly to an actual portfolio with associated investments and implementation instruments. This requires cooperation between entrepreneurs, municipalities, province, national government and associated stakeholders. In short; a workable and efficient ROM-B that can move quickly.”

>> ‘Speed and clarity are key, as are preconditions’

How do you look at cooperation with the province and the state?
“Regionally, nationally and internationally, the Leiden region has a unique profile. With Bioscience in Leiden and the economic clusters focused on Space (Noordwijk) and Unmanned systems (Katwijk), the region offers a very attractive business climate with a lot of knowledge and innovation. And with all the other unique characteristics and good location, also a very good living climate. All companies benefit from that mix. For good positioning and development, good cooperation is of course essential. Within Key Region Leiden, but also with Holland Rijnland, the province and the state. Together we can make impact faster. So we want to ensure that this does not just remain a regional initiative, but connects to the broader shared economic and spatial ambitions. Only then can we improve earning capacity for the benefit of broad prosperity. A good start of the ROM-B offers an opportunity to strengthen public-private cooperation and enable strategic investments in business parks. We must put our shoulders to the wheel on this together.”

>> ‘Improving earning power benefits broad prosperity’

What is the call to entrepreneurs in the region?
“Take action and think with us. Indicate how you see the future and what is needed for that. And what you can do yourself and what you need from someone else. This is the time for entrepreneurs to indicate how we want to develop our business parks and to influence this. The ROM-B is an instrument that can make a real difference, but we must ensure that leadership and decisiveness are shown from all ranks. We cannot keep waiting for the space issue to resolve itself. The time to act is now.”

Background
Key Region Leiden, as a pilot of Holland Rijnland, is now starting an exploration of the establishment of a ROM-B. The aim is to provide space for businesses on existing business parks, contribute to the solidification of soft planning capacity, balance living and working and thus make an important and necessary contribution to broad prosperity.

• Also read the interview with Alderman Jacco Knape (Municipality of Katwijk).
• Read more background on the ROM-B project page.