The HU ORM program is moving to the Utrecht Science Park.

First, renovation work will take place next summer on the seventh floor of Heidelberglaan 15. After that, the relocation will follow, so that from the new academic year onwards all ORM classes can be taught in Utrecht.

Why was this relocation chosen?

Lisette Luijk: “Entrepreneurship is playing a role in more and more study programs. Even for students who will become physiotherapists, for example, it is valuable to understand what it takes to start their own business. We want to help embed entrepreneurship more broadly within the HU. Utrecht is the logical place for this, because the majority of our programs are based there.”

So you want to collaborate more?

“Absolutely. We will be located in the same place as other economic programs at the HU, such as Commercial Economics and Business Administration. We will also be closer to research groups that conduct research within our field of expertise, as well as organisations like UtrechtInc, Playground, and Dotslash that support start-up entrepreneurs, and of course ROM Utrecht, which works towards a strong regional economy in Utrecht. This makes it easier for students to connect with entrepreneurship in practice and with other entrepreneurial students, from both the HU and Utrecht University.”

Who initiated this?

“This was really an ambition of our institute. But of course, you don’t do something like this alone. The program committee was involved from the very beginning. We developed a business case and discussed it with institute directors, the Executive Board, operations, HR… Last summer we set up a project group and a steering group, including students and lecturers from ORM and Commercial Economics.”

What will the new environment look like?

“We don’t just want to open doors to more collaboration externally, but also internally. That is why at Heidelberglaan 15 we are choosing one large shared space, encouraging more exchange and dynamism. Sliding panels will make it possible to temporarily create smaller spaces for group work. We were inspired by a Finnish partner institution that already works with a similar setup.”

“Students are involved in designing their new location, from colours to types of chairs. We are also in talks with an alumnus who runs a lighting company. It would be great to give his work a place here. We want to create a recognizable space together, a home for both staff and students.”

And then you live in Amersfoort and suddenly have to travel to Utrecht…

“I can relate to that! I live a three-minute bike ride from my work. Yes, that will change. For some, the commute will become shorter, for others longer. If you’ve just found a room in Amersfoort, it might be a bit of a shock. But most students respond positively. They are looking forward to the lively environment of the Utrecht Science Park and the opportunities of the student city of Utrecht. That central location is also attractive for potential new students. In many ways, Utrecht offers us growth opportunities. And that is something every entrepreneur should appreciate.”