MedTech Twente 2030
MedTech 2030 is an ambitious programme focused on the development and implementation of innovative medical technologies. Discover how this programme contributes to a healthier future by fostering collaboration among medical professionals, researchers, and businesses.
MedTech Twente 2030
Medical technology is a key job engine for Twente’s future. The University of Twente is recognised nationally and internationally for its research in medical technology and, through the TechMed Centre, brings together research, education, and practice. Each year, this leads to new solutions that improve, staff, and sustain the affordability of healthcare—a sector facing intense pressure. Additionally, these innovations give rise to new companies. Over the years, numerous successful spin-off companies have been established, which are now experiencing rapid growth. To accelerate innovation and support business growth with facilities, talent, and capital, the MedTech Twente 2030 project was launched. This initiative enables the sector to make strides towards becoming an internationally leading cluster.
MedTech Twente 2030 is an action plan that strengthens Twente’s MedTech cluster through collaboration with partners such as Novel-T, Saxion, WTC Twente, Kennispark, Health Valley, University of Twente, Oost NL, the Province of Overijssel, the Municipality of Enschede, and Twente Board. The action plan comprises several strategies, says project manager Alexander Schippers. “To attract both business and talent on a national and international level, it’s essential that we profile and position ourselves collectively,” he explains. “A key aspect of this is that companies get to know each other. Many companies focus only on their own niche, but collaboration often takes you much further. Therefore, we aim to build a business community. When companies know each other, more private partnerships are formed, facilitating knowledge exchange as well as joint funding opportunities.”
Greater collaboration can also help alleviate the pressure on the healthcare sector. “We are heading towards a situation where healthcare is becoming unaffordable and understaffed. Within MedTech, we see numerous solutions for this challenge through smart tools, robotics, and other systems and applications,” Alexander notes. “That’s why, in addition to a business manager, we also have a care and cure manager to connect hospitals and care institutions with companies in the cluster.”
According to Alexander, one tangible result of this collaboration could be a targeted investment agenda to attract funding from the government and Europe. “These funds could then be invested in talent, as well as in the buildings or laboratories needed to facilitate growth,” he explains. Alexander believes that the value of collaboration was proven during the pandemic, when Demcon’s ventilators were brought to market in record time. “That was truly thanks to the strong collaboration within the cluster.”
To advance further, Alexander aims to connect Twente’s MedTech cluster with other European clusters. “We know that hospitals throughout Europe are considering ways to shift care closer to home. This requires technology. And what could be better than this technology being developed by companies from Twente?”
Bruto Twents Geluk
Income
Are we earning enough together?
“We maintain a good income level when companies within the MedTech cluster remain here and are given room to grow. This keeps suppliers in Twente as well. As a result, we retain jobs and salaries, and the economic impact extends beyond the salaries of a single company.”
Job Security
Does everyone have work in Twente?
“The healthcare sector is very large in the Netherlands, with significant shortages across various roles. The MedTech sector, which develops and produces healthcare innovations, is currently growing rapidly. This project includes research into the future talent needs of these companies and ways to develop talent locally.”
Health
Are we leading healthy lifestyles?
“The MedTech cluster is closely related to affordable, accessible, and adequately staffed healthcare. Many medical technologies aim to cure illnesses and improve quality of life. But there are also technologies that enable people to prevent disease, for example, through lifestyle interventions. We focus on health in a broad sense.”
Social Contacts
Do we have strong relationships with those around us?
“If this includes employee interaction, then our project definitely supports that. We hope that companies within the business community seek each other out, both formally and informally—for trade, but also for sharing knowledge, experiences, and joint opportunities through collaboration. We’re already seeing that relationships in this group extend beyond business, and friendships are forming. We will organise various activities to strengthen this network, such as Campus Café and WTC’s existing MedTech business group.”
Community Engagement
Are we making an impact on our surroundings?
“Our partners, such as Novel-T, Saxion, WTC Twente, Kennispark, Health Valley, University of Twente, Oost NL, the Province of Overijssel, Municipality of Enschede, and Twente Board, are deeply connected to society through education, research, and science.”
Subjective Well-being
Are we happy?
“There is a concept called ‘positive health,’ which focuses on what people can still do rather than defining them by their illness. This allows us to consider subjective well-being. I believe it’s a combination of personal outlook and the support technology can provide.”
Housing
Are we living in a pleasant environment?
“This is a recurring condition when attracting talent. It’s great to create attractive conditions within companies, but if people can’t find a nice place to live, they won’t come. Alongside this project, separate policies on housing are needed.”
Safety
Is Twente a safe region?
“Interestingly, medical technology must meet extremely high safety standards. Before a product can be used, it undergoes strict testing. You could almost say, the more invasive a technology is, the higher the safety requirements.”
Environment
Are we taking nature into account?
“Sustainable healthcare isn’t a specific theme in this project, but fortunately, more and more MedTech companies are working on reducing the sector’s footprint. If we find that more companies in the community are interested in this, we will support them. This could also be done within the healthcare organisations we aim to involve in the community. It’s a topic that truly resonates.”
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