On November 20, 2025, there was a Gelderland Industry Summit with 40 entrepreneurs. The central question was: how do we ensure that we still have a thriving industry in 20 years? The employers organization VNO-NCW organized the Industry Summit.
Published on: 24 November 2025

The industry in Gelderland seems to be doing well: companies are selling more products and services. They also make things that have extra value. Like a toilet seat with chip sensors that measure health data. Since 2015, jobs have been increasing again and the number of industrial companies is growing. However, behind these positive figures are concerns. Companies in East Netherlands produce less per employee on average than elsewhere in the country. And the Netherlands performs less well than large economies such as China, India, and the United States. The recent report by Mario Draghi (former president of the European Central Bank) on Europes economic competitiveness warns: Europe is losing competitiveness, and this is slightly more pronounced in East Netherlands. This concerns not only companies but also jobs and prosperity in our region.

Challenges such as: lack of space, nitrogen, grid congestion, regulations

A survey among Gelderland entrepreneurs shows that 85% of industrial companies will not invest more in the coming period than now. 46% even postpone investments. At the same time, there are challenges such as:

  • lack of space, nitrogen issues, grid congestion (a full power grid), and complicated rules
  • increasing staff shortages and aging workforce
  • political uncertainty and changing policies
  • shortages and price fluctuations of raw materials
  • energy that is still expensive now, despite future price drops

Start of a Gelderland industry agenda

The Gelderland Industry Summit is the start of a joint broad industry agenda. It must become clear how to invest to still have a thriving industry in Gelderland in 20 years. So that entrepreneurs keep investing. This should also be an important topic in The Hague with the new cabinet, but also in municipalities, with the elections in March 2026.

Together with VNO-NCW, entrepreneurs, and partners, we are putting our shoulders to the wheel. This summit is a kickoff for more cooperation and action.

We must act now

Stagnation is decline. We must act now to make the industry future-proof. Therefore, Gelderland entrepreneurs are working with VNO-NCW in the coming months on an Industry Agenda that offers Gelderland perspective for the coming decades.

Helga Witjes

Deputy

More information

You can read Mario Draghis report on the European Commission website.