Richard Kortenhoeven
“Combining ambition with realism. That, to me, is the Twente way of working together.”
Since 2018, Richard Kortenhoeven has been councillor of the municipality of Wierden. In that role, he represents West Twente in the Twente Board. With a background in both the private sector and public administration, and with deep roots in Twente, he is committed to a region where economic development, liveability and a future-proof rural area go hand in hand.
From commercial sector to local government
Kortenhoeven’s professional background spans both commercial and administrative roles. At Bolletje in Almelo, he learned firsthand how entrepreneurship, innovation and market dynamics play out in practice.
“That experience shaped me. You learn to be solution-oriented and always look at what actually works.”
As councillor in Wierden, he deals daily with balancing social, economic and spatial interests.
“The practical reality — close to residents, entrepreneurs and farmers — has shaped the way I think: down-to-earth, results-focused and aimed at achievable progress.”
Strongly connected to Twente
Born in Wierden, Kortenhoeven feels deeply connected to the region.
“Twente offers a unique combination of urban innovation and a strong rural area. It’s a region with a powerful identity and communities where people know and support each other.”
At the same time, he clearly sees the challenges ahead: an ageing population, grid congestion, labour shortages, agricultural transitions and the accessibility of smaller towns and villages.
“Twente is at its best when we tackle these issues together, with respect for the differences between urban and rural areas.”
Why the Twente Board?
For Wierden and its surrounding villages, regional cooperation is essential. That is why he deliberately chose a role within the Twente Board.
“The Twente Board is where government, education and entrepreneurs jointly shape the future of Twente. For a municipality like Wierden, this isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. I’m committed to bringing in the voice of the rural area and the agricultural sector. That voice needs to be heard clearly.”
The language of collaboration: bridging policy and practice
Kortenhoeven aims above all to strengthen the link between policy and implementation.
“Entrepreneurs and farmers need to feel that cooperation genuinely helps them progress. That starts with listening. Providing room for experimentation. Removing barriers from the government side. And ensuring that education matches the needs of the regional labour market — including outside urban areas.”
From Wierden, he sees major opportunities in practice-oriented education, lifelong learning and strengthening pathways into employment.
Themes aligned with his commitment
Within the Twente Board’s strategy, he feels most connected to broad prosperity, sustainable economic development, the future of rural areas, and the labour market & education. “Economic growth matters, but must always go hand in hand with liveability. For Wierden, it’s crucial that innovations also create value for SMEs, family businesses and farmers. And that the energy and agricultural transitions remain feasible and affordable.”
Bruto Twents Geluk (Gross Twents Happiness)
The philosophy of Bruto Twents Geluk aligns closely with his perspective on public service. “Bruto Twents Geluk isn’t just about economic growth. It’s about living, working and doing business in a pleasant way. About health, social cohesion and future prospects.” He sees these elements daily in Wierden: in strong associations, committed village communities and space for entrepreneurship.
“As an administrator, I want to ensure that economic choices genuinely contribute to quality of life.”
Priorities for the coming years
Twente faces major challenges: the energy transition, agricultural transition, housing development, labour market issues and accessibility.
“Especially in the rural area, people are facing a lot. My goal is a future-proof countryside: space for agricultural entrepreneurship, new earning models, good facilities and solid accessibility.”
Tourism and recreation also have an important role to play.
“West Twente lies in a beautiful landscape within the Sallandse Heuvelrug & Twents Reggedal. An area with great appeal and potential. We should fully invest in that.”
Young people deserve explicit attention as well.
“We want to keep young people here. That means sufficient housing, suitable education and attractive jobs.”
Advancing Twente together
With his commercial background and administrative experience, Kortenhoeven brings a practical perspective and a strong focus on connection.
“I don’t have the solution, we find it together. That is the strength of the Twente Board. Fourteen municipalities, entrepreneurs and educational institutions working together on the same challenges.” Through that collaboration, he says, “we move Twente forward step by step. Ambition with realism. That’s the Twente way.”