OT Thematafels
The manufacturing industry in the east of the Netherlands is facing major challenges. Whether it concerns finding technical personnel, sustainability, or digitization, many issues are too complex for individual companies to tackle alone. That is why Ondernemend Twente and Vereniging Maakindustrie Oost (VMO), under the leadership of VMO, are launching an ambitious program: the OT Thematafels. Project leader Maarten Wijnheijmer talks about this new approach, made possible by Twente Board.
What prompted this initiative?
“Our supporters are facing many urgent issues,” says Wijnheijmer. “Take finding technical personnel, for example. That is a recurring challenge for entrepreneurs. But sustainability, digitization, and innovation also play a major role. These themes are often too complex for individual companies to tackle on their own.”
There are already many networks for entrepreneurs. What makes this initiative different?
“Entrepreneurs appreciate networking events, but often it remains a non-committal exploration. We want to go a step further. What makes our approach unique is that we actively support entrepreneurs in turning ideas into concrete business cases. We really help them move from thinking to doing.”
What does that support look like?
“We work with a targeted three-step approach,” explains Wijnheijmer. “First, we use interviews and surveys to identify what is needed. Next, we form groups around specific themes and invite experts to inspire and test feasibility. The final step is to develop a concrete business case with companies that are actually willing to invest in collaboration.”
What are your ambitions for the first year?
“We are aiming for five concrete business cases, with five to eight companies collaborating on each case. The themes vary from joint innovation projects to shared investments in sustainable solutions. We are explicitly looking beyond regional boundaries and seeking collaboration with companies in the Achterhoek region and the German border area.”
What role does Twente Board play in this?
“A crucial one. VMO has a limited budget, but there is a strong need for professionalization. Twente Board finances professional guidance in the development of the business cases. This enables us to move from non-committal discussions to concrete action.”
How do you prevent it from remaining just a plan?
“That's why we've opted for this targeted approach. The subsidy is intended to facilitate the process of developing a business case, but the implementation is up to the entrepreneurs themselves. Because they are involved from the outset and the plans are tailored to their needs, we expect a high level of commitment.”
What does this initiative mean for the region?
“A strong manufacturing industry is essential for the economy of the eastern Netherlands. By helping companies collaborate on innovation and sustainability, we are not only strengthening individual businesses, but the entire regional ecosystem. If this pilot is successful, we want to scale up this approach.”
The program focuses on collaboration in clusters, investing in people and machines, circular and sustainable solutions, cybersecurity, digitization, and technical education. Interested SMEs can register with the VMO.
Gross Twents Happiness
Which indicators does the OT Thematafels project contribute to?
✓ Income
✓ Job security
✓ Personal development
✓ Social contacts
✓ Community engagement