{"id":3004,"date":"2025-12-09T23:53:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T21:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.keyregionleiden.nl\/together-we-make-the-knowledge-economy-valuable-to-all\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T00:21:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T22:21:15","slug":"together-we-make-the-knowledge-economy-valuable-to-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.keyregionleiden.nl\/en\/together-we-make-the-knowledge-economy-valuable-to-all\/","title":{"rendered":"Together we make the knowledge economy valuable to all"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Opportunities and growth<\/h3>\n

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.” <\/p>\n

When knowledge clusters do well, SMEs benefit along with them.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Everything is connected<\/h3>\n

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.” <\/p>\n

The plumber or baker around the corner also benefits.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Living and working in balance<\/h3>\n

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.” <\/p>\n

\"Leonie<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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