The launch of a new regional platform where companies, knowledge institutions, and Defense collaborate on smart technological solutions: this was the reason for signing the letter of intent that took place today in Utrecht. Defense, the provinces of Utrecht and Flevoland ROM Utrecht Region, Horizon Flevoland, and entrepreneurs signed this declaration today. The collaboration mainly offers opportunities to companies working on high-tech, smart mobility, energy, and new materials.
What does this mean for Flevoland?
Thanks to its strategic location, strong knowledge infrastructure, and excellent physical and digital connections, Flevoland functions as the hub for innovation and development. In recent years, the province has also developed into a region with strong testing facilities and an innovative manufacturing industry. For example, the Drone Test Center in Marknesse, where companies can test new drones and smart sensors in a controlled environment. This collaboration gives Flevoland even more opportunities to grow as an innovation region and as an important partner of Defense.
What does this mean for entrepreneurs?
Defense invests heavily in innovation. Innovative entrepreneurs are needed for this. They design and create the products and technologies of the future. For example, smart sensors, light and strong materials, or sustainable energy solutions. These products are not only used by the military but also in daily life. This is called dual-use: one innovation, two applications.
Through this letter of intent, Flevoland positions itself as the Defense province of the future. We link the opportunities that Defense offers to our strong economic sectors: high-tech, maritime, aviation, and manufacturing, said Deputy Ellentrees Müller.
Working together
The Province of Flevoland and Horizon Flevoland will work together with entrepreneurs, municipalities, and our strong clusters. Flevoland companies were also present at the signing. They see the benefits of this collaboration. Arnold Vaandrager, director of VABO Composites:
The regional team offers us as companies one central point where we collaborate with defense to accelerate innovations in (production) processes and products. This way, we make our companies better and ready for the world of tomorrow with Defense as the (end) customer.
In the photo: State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman (center) with cooperation partners. Photo by Defense.
