Inge Grimm
“Twente has much to be proud of. Through effective collaboration, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.”
As of 1 June 2025, Inge Grimm has taken on the role of Chair of the Executive Board of Saxion University of Applied Sciences. In this capacity, she also serves on the Twente Board. With her broad background in education and research, extensive executive experience, and personal roots in the region, she aims to contribute to a strong and distinctive Twente.
Education as a common thread
Grimm is deeply familiar with the education sector. Her educational journey started in vocational education (MBO), followed by higher professional education (HBO) and university studies, and she later completed an MBA in Business Innovation. “I’ve experienced all levels of the education system, which gives me a clear view of the importance of connecting these levels effectively.”
She studied both Business Economics and Sociology, worked in the private sector and at Wageningen University, and spent the last eight years in executive roles at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, where she served first as a board member and later as Chair of the Executive Board.
Executive experience and professional network
In addition to her work in education, Grimm gained board-level experience with the Economic Boards of the Zwolle and Flevoland regions. “We always looked at Twente with great admiration. I’m pleased to now apply that experience here.”
She considers her strength to lie in fostering connections, building networks, and bringing stakeholders together.
Connected to Twente
Grimm’s personal roots in the region play a significant role in her motivation. “I grew up as a farmer’s daughter on the border between the Achterhoek and Twente. I really value the down-to-earth attitude here: rolling up your sleeves, staying realistic, and getting things done together.” This mindset aligns closely with how she approaches her work.
Labour market and knowledge accelerator
One of the region’s most pressing challenges, according to Grimm, is the tight labour market. “Many companies have sufficient orders but lack the people to execute them. This calls for collaboration and a commitment to lifelong learning.”
Education and applied research have a crucial role to play in addressing this. “I firmly believe that universities of applied sciences are true knowledge accelerators. Not because everything needs to go faster, but because the knowledge of students, lecturers, and researchers helps companies move forward.”
Flexibility and rapid response
Grimm sees the strength of the Twente Board in the so-called "triple helix": collaboration between business, government, and education. “Because we know each other well, we can respond quickly to new developments. A great example is the Beethoven project and the opportunities and challenges surrounding defence technology. Thanks to short lines of communication and mutual trust, we can act swiftly.”
Bruto Twents Geluk – Twente’s Measure of Well-being
One theme that resonates with Grimm is Bruto Twents Geluk (Gross Twente Happiness). For her, this goes well beyond economic growth. “It’s about the essential conditions that allow people to live and work comfortably here. Think of well-balanced services such as childcare, accessibility, quality healthcare, and of course a broad and inclusive educational offering. These factors influence whether young talent chooses Twente – and whether people decide to stay.”
Looking ahead
In her new role as Chair of Saxion and member of the Twente Board, Grimm aims to leverage her governance experience and network to strengthen the region. “Twente has much to be proud of. It’s vital that we tell this story collectively and raise its visibility. By working together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Check her LinkedIn