British ambassador visits Twente: cooperation requires next step
Cooperation between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in the field of technology needs to be strengthened and deepened. Against this backdrop, the British Ambassador to the Netherlands, Chris Rampling, visited Twente on 18 June 2026 as part of his introductory tour of Dutch regions within the framework of the innovation partnership between the two countries. In the Twente, it became clear how collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutions and public authorities is organised around applications in fields such as photonics, chip technology and defence, with the regional ecosystem playing a key role.
Date of Publication: 19 June 2026
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During the visit, the ambassador gained an insight into how this cooperation takes shape in practice. Visits to organisations including ChipTech Twente, the MESA+ Nanolab and LioniX International demonstrated how research into photonics and quantum technology is linked to applications in industry, healthcare and security.
From collaboration to strengthening
The central question during the visit was not whether collaboration exists, but how it can be strengthened and scaled up. “The UK and Overijssel already collaborate closely, particularly in the fields of innovation and technology. But we can do more. By strengthening the links between businesses and between research institutions in the UK and in Overijssel, we can further deepen our collaboration.” - Chris Rampling, British Ambassador to the Netherlands
In a context where technology, energy and supply chains are becoming increasingly decisive, cooperation is shifting to the level of ecosystems. This involves linking technology to applications and connecting markets and industries within international value chains.
As a result, this collaboration addresses a broader challenge: strengthening the position of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Europe. Collaboration is therefore not merely a complement, but a prerequisite for innovative strength and economic resilience.
From technology to application
During the visit, the focus was on the transition from technology to application. Twente demonstrated how this is organised in practice: by connecting knowledge institutions, businesses and public authorities, and by making targeted investments in key technologies such as photonics, chip technology, medical innovations and defence applications.
These efforts converge in three strategic clusters – ChipTech, MedTech and Defence – which collectively contribute to economic growth and address societal challenges.
Scaling up requires choices
The next step lies in strengthening applications and scaling up. The technological foundation is in place, but further development requires targeted choices regarding talent, investment and collaboration. Within the ChipTech ecosystem, demand for technical talent is growing faster than supply, with direct consequences for the speed of scaling up.
Regional strength in an international context
Twente operates as part of broader networks and international chains. It is precisely in this context that collaboration with the United Kingdom takes on added significance. The focus is thus shifting towards linking ecosystems to concrete applications, market development and international positioning.
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Kim Peddemors
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