Signed by Governments and Companies
Helga Witjes, Deputy of Economy and Innovation, signed the letter of intent during the defense event Purple NECtar in Nijkerk. She did this together with outgoing State Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman, Edwin Ouwejan (Ministry of Economic Affairs), Erwin Hoogland (Deputy of Overijssel Province), Wendy de Jong (Oost NL), and two company representatives: Rene de Wit from Gelderlands Defenture and Dennis Schipper from Overijssels Demcon.
Better Utilizing Opportunities
Together, our goal is to better utilize social and economic opportunities by bringing demand from Defense and supply from companies closer together.
State Secretary Tuinman is pleased with this next step:
Defense has previously made agreements with the regions of Limburg, South Holland, and North Brabant. With this signing, we come very close to nationwide coverage.
Security and Innovation Go Hand in Hand
Our ambition is clear: entrepreneurs in Gelderland and Overijssel contribute to a strong defense and security sector. And thereby to the safety and resilience of the Netherlands and Europe. Innovation and economic development go hand in hand. Only by working together can we make a difference: big and small, government and business, knowledge and practice.
Making the Defense Sector More Accessible to Entrepreneurs
Gelderland is historically closely connected to Defense: from barracks and training grounds on the Veluwe to strategic logistical corridors. Today we take a step towards the future: with this letter of intent, we lay the foundation for structural cooperation between the national government, the region, and industry. This makes the defense sector more accessible to entrepreneurs, accelerates innovation, and contributes to a safe, resilient, and economically strong future for Eastern Netherlands.
Deputy of Gelderland
Connecting Entrepreneurs with Defense
Immediately after signing, the webpage of oostnl.nl/defensie went online. This page helps entrepreneurs in Eastern Netherlands find opportunities in the defense sector and form collaborations. Companies find information about: events, frequently asked questions, examples of companies already working for Defense, and contact persons. This can help them further with tenders, innovation projects, and partnerships with Defense and industry.
Help for Companies
Eastern Netherlands has many innovative entrepreneurs who can contribute with their knowledge and technology to defense and societal applications. As Oost NL, we help companies take the right steps whether it concerns cooperation with defense, international business, financing, or innovation projects. We encourage companies to also work on dual-use solutions: innovations that are both civilian and military deployable.
General Director Oost NL
Why Eastern Netherlands?
The strength of Eastern Netherlands lies in the combination of high-quality technology and practical manufacturing industry. In Gelderland, companies and knowledge institutions work intensively together on food, health, energy, and chip industry (Hightech Semicon) and transport and mobility.From high-tech sensors to reliable clothing and food. Eastern Netherlands has the knowledge, people, and production capacity to contribute to a safe and resilient future.Erwin Hoogland, Deputy of Overijssel:
Today we have again taken an important step to make our country safer and more resilient. By bundling our knowledge and forces, we are building a strong defense industry in Eastern Netherlands. With more jobs, opportunities, and innovative projects for companies and residents.
