Research project on knowledge clusters

To meet the challenges of our time, the Holland Rijnland Region and Key Region Leiden are taking an important step together with the research project Strengthening and Connecting Knowledge and Innovation Axis. With this we are building a powerful economic region around the Leiden-Katwijk-Noordwijk axis.

Mapping opportunities

Holland Rijnland Region is in the midst of major social and economic changes. Whether it concerns health, safety, sustainability or technological innovation. The knowledge clusters in our region play a crucial role in this. With the Leiden Bio Science Park, the NL Space Campus and Unmanned Valley, we have three unique, internationally operating ecosystems. Key Region Leiden will now investigate these knowledge clusters and map the opportunities.

Great potential requires greater consistency

Holland Rijnland Region and specifically Key Region Leiden have all the ingredients for a strong knowledge region. The knowledge clusters individually perform well and are among the best in the Netherlands and Europe. But the economic growth figures as a whole lag behind other regions that are catching up. Research by RaboResearch (2022) showed that the region needs more focus and stronger connections between sectors in order to take a step forward. The Holland Rijnland Economy Course Document has now provided that focus. With the start of the research project, we are now really getting down to work.

This project from the Regional Investment Agenda (RIA) of the Holland Rhineland Region focuses, among other things, on the connection between strong sectors. The central question is: How can we strengthen and connect the knowledge-intensive ecosystems around Life Science & Health, Unmanned Systems and Space in such a way that innovation and crossovers are stimulated and that these ecosystems contribute effectively to the development of SMEs, the local economy and regional sectors such as the Greenports?

Four parts, one approach

The research project consists of four parts; one overarching study of the Knowledge and Innovation Axis and three sub-studies of the individual clusters. As mentioned, large parts of the axis already function well, but each cluster has its own challenges. By tackling these tasks together, we strengthen both the clusters themselves and the connection between them.

The studies map the preconditions in areas such as infrastructure, space and energy. Central to this is cooperation within the triple helix: governments, knowledge institutions and companies work together on a single regional approach.

International leading by 2035

By 2035, the Knowledge and Innovation Axis must have grown into a leading international ecosystem. The three clusters will then work together integrally as drivers of innovation, economic earning power, social impact and talent development. This network stimulates technological progress and contributes to broad prosperity for residents in the region.

The Strengthening and Connecting the Knowledge and Innovation Axis program is designed as a long-term project, with a phased approach. Thus, the first phase consists of four studies. We expect the results of the studies in the third quarter of 2026, after which decision-making of the follow-up phase can take place.

Want to know more?

For more information, please contact Region Holland Rijnland, team Economy at ria@hollandrijnland.nl. Or contact us using this form.

• Also check out the Heading the Economy document.
• And the Holland Rhineland Region economy page.
• You can follow our approach soon on this project page.