Strong growth in employment Campuses and Science Parks in the Netherlands
Campuses and science parks of the Netherlands are essential for growth of jobs and new business. Innovations and innovative collaborations result in solutions that accelerate societal transitions. So says the research report published on 4 December by Buck Consultants International (BCI). The report shows that the Utrecht Science Park has also grown strongly in terms of employees and remains by far the largest science park in the Netherlands with more than 31,000 employees.
‘We also see the significant growth in jobs at the Utrecht Science Park, even despite the fact that for a long time growth was hindered by lack of lab space. Meanwhile, much more space is being created at Utrecht Science Park. Also at our satellite location Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven, a lot of good space will become available after the RIVM’s relocation. The same applies to Utrecht Science Park Zeist after the relocation of TNO. It is nice to see that Utrecht Science Park remains by far the biggest science park in the Netherlands due to its growth (see page 31 of the report). We see that Utrecht Science Park also has the most employees at knowledge institutions, and this on about 1.5 square kilometres of surface area (see page 30 of the report). In addition, we also see a strong growth of employment at research & development companies at Utrecht Science Park, namely +76% from 2018 to now. This is almost 3 times higher than the average employment growth in the Utrecht Municipality. This is partly due to the growth of Merus, GenDx and Genmab. The number of companies has also grown significantly at 64% from 2018,’ said Jan Henk van der Velden, managing director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation.
The report underlines the importance of continuing to invest in knowledge, innovation and thus in the development of science parks, such as the Utrecht Science Park, as a job engine for the city, region and country. Based on the environmental vision, the number of jobs in research & development companies (from vocational to academic level) at the Utrecht Science Park will increase by another 4,000 to 8,000 in the coming years.
See and download the research report (in Dutch)
Utrecht Science Park takes a step towards greater liveability with the help of Community Builders
To improve the quality of life and social cohesion at Utrecht Science Park, residents and partners are launching the “Springlevend Utrecht Science Park” program, which will recruit Community Builders from among apartment residents. The Community Builders will promote connection, participation, and neighborhood development. They will do this, in part, by establishing and managing a local meeting space. The housing boards at Utrecht Science Park took an important first step in this direction in May of last year, and this is now being followed up.
WorkWalk: Erik Scherder visits the Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, September 4th, exercise professor Erik Scherder, along with representatives from the Municipality of Utrecht, HU Utrecht University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, and the Utrecht Science Park Foundation, literally took a step towards more exercise. Together, they participated in a WorkWalk in the green surroundings of Utrecht Science Park. The walk was held in the lead-up to Vitality Week at the end of September and is part of a broader movement to better combine work and vitality.
Much achieved in 10 years of coordination construction activities at Utrecht Science Park: “RAP meeting” celebrates its anniversary
Over the past ten years, the RAP meeting has built a reputation as the central hub for convening and reviewing the construction activities at Utrecht Science Park, including aspects such as accessibility, safety, and livability. Much has been achieved during this period, demonstrating the value of consultation between all parties in ensuring the smooth running of all construction activities.
Experience Utrecht Science Week, register now
From Friday, September 26th to Sunday, October 5th, Utrecht Science Week takes place. Utrecht Science Park will open its doors to everyone interested in (applied) science. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking science and world-class innovation. Registration is free.