Strategic Public Affairs Agenda
Since 2021, the Twente lobby agenda has been shaped through the collaboration between businesses, education, and government. Twente Board acts as the central hub, conveying the unified voice of Twente to Overijssel, The Hague, and Brussels. By understanding each other and each other’s agendas, we are more effective together and increase the impact of our Public Affairs efforts. We not only collaborate within Twente but also with the province and other regions in East Netherlands, through Think East NL, as well as with Germany, via the Dutch-German Tech.Land initiative.
TOGETHER REALISING TWENTE'S AMBITIONS
Focus on our core dossiers
We focus our efforts on 5 core dossiers:
- improving connectivity (upgrading the Zwolle-Twente-Münster rail line and speeding up connections between Zwolle, the Randstad, and Berlin);
- attracting and training sufficient talent at all levels;
- positioning Twente as a (high)tech region towards The Hague and Europe;
- positioning the cooperation with Germany in The Hague and Europe;
- and developing an opportunities agenda, resulting in long-term collaboration with the national government on Twente’s central challenges, in line with the recommendations in the report Every Region Counts.
The aim of this effort is to help Twente achieve its ambitions by developing and implementing an effective Public Affairs approach. This approach focuses on positioning Twente with relevant stakeholders and networks in Overijssel, The Hague, and Europe, and on influencing policy development and decision-making around (co)financing at an early stage.
Our approach and results achieved
In concrete terms, this means that we regularly visit The Hague to meet with Members of Parliament and follow debates. We also make use of opportunities like Budget Day and the Wilddiner to raise Twente's profile. Conversely, we invite Members of Parliament, government officials, and ministries to visit Twente, so they can see first-hand what our region has to offer. In addition to our lines with The Hague, we are also strengthening connections with Brussels and Germany.
One of the highlights of the past year (May 2023 – May 2024) was the visit of King Willem-Alexander to the Twente region, together with Minister Hanke Bruins Slot of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
Curious about the other steps we have taken over the past year? Our progress report provides an overview of key moments and decisions. Take a look back!
Contact the Public Affairs Team
Yvonne Bijenhof
Twente Board in The Hague
Jasper Kerkwijk
Twente Board in The Hague
