Together we make the knowledge economy valuable to all

At the time of writing, Key Region Leiden is five months underway and director Leonie Hussaarts has been in office for almost 150 working days. Time for an interview about what regional cooperation can mean for the knowledge economy and the broad range of SMEs in the Leiden region. [This article can be read in the December issue of Into Business].

Opportunities and growth

Much attention is paid to business activity at Leiden Bio Science Park, NL Space Campus and Unmanned Valley. The local economy also runs on entrepreneurs in business parks. Is there attention for both? “As director of Key Region Leiden, let me be clear about that,” says Leonie Hussaarts. “Without strong SMEs, there is no strong knowledge economy. And vice versa: the strength of our knowledge clusters actually provides opportunities and growth for the wider business community. Both can count on our attention.”

When knowledge clusters do well, SMEs benefit along with them.

Everything is connected

The national government announced major investments in our region. What is the connection with local business? “It all hangs together. From big to small,” Hussaarts explains. “Take the arrival of pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly in Katwijk. They are investing 2.6 billion euros in a new drug production facility. This not only strengthens the Leiden Bio Science Park, but also creates 500 new jobs, 1,500 construction jobs and accelerates the construction of housing and roads. For example, the national government is investing millions in renovating Leiden Central Station and improving the rail connection to Utrecht. The new station will be the gateway to our region for visitors, residents, workers and new talent. The plumber or baker around the corner will also benefit from these developments.”

The plumber or baker around the corner also benefits.

Living and working in balance

The region has a major housing challenge. You often hear it said that housing cannot exist without work. How does Key Region view this? Hussaarts: “Maintaining space for work is essential. Business parks are the lungs of our local economy. However, these sites are nearly full. That is why we are exploring with partners the establishment of a Spatial Development Company for business parks (ROM-B). This investment fund can create space by redeveloping unprofitable real estate and building more compact and higher. Proceeds go back into the fund. This is how we enable growth for existing and new businesses. We will now enter into discussions with city councils about this approach and hope for support from the province and national government.”

Ready for the future

How does Key Region Leiden help entrepreneurs be ready for the future? “The future of SMEs lies in digitization and innovation,” Hussaarts says confidently. “That is why we have helped entrepreneurs with digitization vouchers, workshops and coaching to improve their earning power. The ‘Make digitization work for you’ project is now coming to an end, but we are exploring whether we can continue this successful initiative in 2026. At the same time, we are working daily to strengthen the connection between knowledge and the market. Not only for large companies, but especially for the broad SMEs in the region. We link education and research to entrepreneurial questions. In this way we ensure that new technologies and insights do not remain on the shelf, but land in everyday practice.”

The region needs to show up at the right consultation tables.

So the region is doing well?

“That’s true, but it doesn’t happen automatically. Key Region Leiden is a super interesting and talented region, we have that wind with us. But you have to show yourself at the right consultation tables,” said Hussaarts. “Building a relevant network is essential. Not only with partners in the region, but also at the provincial, national and European levels. What I love about this is the enormous energy I encounter everywhere. Great! Our partners should be proud of that. They have built this and I like to build on that.”

Building impact together

“It should be clear: the Leiden region has a unique concentration of knowledge, talent and entrepreneurship. We must tell that story clearly, otherwise we risk investments and subsidies going elsewhere. Now is the time to proudly show what we have to offer through our common story and a powerful lobby. We do that together. For our residents, our entrepreneurs and our future! Join us! Follow Key Region Leiden on LinkedIn and sign up for the newsletter.”