Where soccer meets high tech: trust and collaboration power Twente’s talent pipeline
Across the Netherlands, companies are struggling to find and retain technical talent. In Twente, however, a creative approach is helping to bridge this gap: high-tech companies, universities, vocational schools, governments and even professional soccer clubs are working together to train talent and connect them with industry. A prime example is Hettrix, a collaborative initiative in which ETC Nederland is actively participating. This partnership illustrates how unexpected connections can strengthen a future-proof high-tech ecosystem.
Hettrix: collaboration through a network
One striking example of collaboration is Hettrix, an initiative founded in 2018 by professional soccer club Heracles Almelo. The network brings together companies, knowledge institutions, governments and sports to address topics such as talent development, vitality, and sustainability.
The Twente region combines a strong knowledge infrastructure with a steady influx of well-educated and highly skilled technicians, as well as a strategic location between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Germany.
“Soccer is an accessible platform,” explains Rob Toussaint, general manager of Heracles and Hettrix initiator. “Almost everyone has some connection to it, making the stadium an ideal place to meet. Hettrix ensures that companies and educational institutions find each other, share knowledge, and execute concrete projects together.”
For ETC Nederland, Hettrix is more than just a network. “Our employees participate in working groups, where they develop skills that they might not encounter in their daily work,” notes Lagendijk, managing director at ETC Nederland. “It’s another form of talent development.”
An ecosystem built on trust
What sets Twente apart is the way in which parties find each other. Short lines of communication and mutual trust are a given. “Through Hettrix, we sit down with various parties every two weeks,” says Lagendijk. “This accelerates contact with local authorities, facilitates brainstorming with other companies, and gives us better access to talent.”
Toussaint also emphasizes the mentality of the region: “You can rely on each other here. Companies support one another and work together to find solutions when things get tough. That makes the ecosystem not only powerful, but also very attractive to newcomers.”
A strong knowledge base and steady influx of talent
Twente offers clear advantages for international companies seeking a European base. “The region combines a strong knowledge infrastructure with a steady influx of well-educated and highly skilled technicians, as well as a strategic location between Amsterdam and Germany,” says Toussaint.
Collaboration pays off. It makes this region unique and offers international companies a solid foundation on which to establish themselves and grow.
He also highlights the local work ethic. “People are loyal and committed. This makes Twente a place where companies can not only expand their activities, but also where professionals enjoy living and working. That’s not insignificant.”
New players, new growth
The region’s strong foundation also allows room for growth. “More large high-tech companies would make the region even more attractive,” Lagendijk observes. “It would expand the market and ensure a steady supply of technicians in the future.”
New players can quickly integrate through networks such as Hettrix or the business clubs of professional clubs such as Heracles and FC Twente. “These powerful platforms help newcomers quickly become part of the community,” Toussaint concludes. “Collaboration pays off. It makes this region unique and offers international companies a solid foundation on which to establish themselves and grow.”
This story was previously published in the 'Accelerate Next Tech' magazine.
Accelerate Next Tech captures real examples of the medtech and sustainable technology ecosystem in action, highlighting companies and research partners driving breakthroughs in medtech and sustainable technology. It paints a picture of a region where future technology is not only envisioned, it is engineered and launched.
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