‘A healthy, attractive region is a prerequisite for the success of every business and resident’
The success of the Brainport region is leading to significantly more jobs and residents in the coming years. The region is gearing up for a jump in scale, but that also puts pressure on society. Every resident of the region should be able to participate, but that will not happen automatically. In addition to support from the government, the business community is investing in measures in the areas of talent development, accessibility, housing, facilities, equal opportunities and social cohesion through the Brainport Partnerfonds. ASML is one of the companies that have joined the fund. Marjolein de Hooge, head of Social Engagement: ‘This is not an “ASML story”. We are doing this together with other companies, it is for everyone in the region.’
As the driving force behind technological developments in the Brainport region, many people look directly at ASML when it comes to tackling growth spurts. Of course, housing shortages, a lack of tech talent, congested roads and unequal opportunities are serious problems everywhere in our country. Yet there is a difference and Marjolein de Hooge, head of Social Engagement at ASML, understands this better than anyone. ‘Given our position, we have a great responsibility to invest in a good future for everyone together with other companies.’
ASML already does a lot in the areas of affordable housing, talent development and social initiatives. Yet there was no hesitation in joining the Brainport Partnerfonds. ‘Yes, we already do a lot and we will continue to do so. But alone we can never get as much done as together. The strength of Brainport lies in the unique ecosystem of companies, educational institutions, social organisations and governments that reinforce each other. That is what characterises this region: we tackle it together. Each according to their own strengths, but with the same goal. The Partner Fund is the result of that.’
For ASML, all the pillars of the fund are important, especially because of the interconnectedness. The great thing is that with this fund, we focus on broad prosperity and equal opportunities in addition to social welfare, says De Hooge. ‘The opportunities we see now are not only felt locally, but globally. If you look at the role of the high-tech industry which is an essential part of a major industry on the world stage, you cannot dismiss that importance. The technologies developed here keep the world running.’
Growth is necessary, but in balance
Brainport Eindhoven's growth is a fact and you have to manage that. Still, De Hooge understands that people look at the growth with some concern . ‘Some say: ‘Let's keep everything as it was’. But the world doesn't stand still; nice new things come along and other things change. That means taking everyone into account as much as possible.’
The Brainport Partnerfonds plays a crucial role in this. With joint investments, the fund ensures that the region remains attractive and liveable for all. De Hooge gives concrete examples: ‘Affordable housing is essential, both for the children and relatives of people who already live here and for newcomers. And a good bus connection to the hospital is just as important to many people as a new motorway or a flourishing club life.’
What makes the Brainport region so special is the natural cooperation between companies, knowledge institutions,governments and civil society organisations - with the addition of civil society organisations, the triple helix changed into a multiple helix. The Brainport Partnerfonds is itself a testament to the success of that formula. ‘In other parts of the Netherlands, you see that investments in infrastructure and facilities often fall away. Here, the opposite is happening: companies are stepping in together with governments to strengthen the region. That is unique and we should be immensely proud of that,’ says De Hooge. ‘We don't always seem to realise it yet, but what happens in Brainport is of global importance. The economic engine of the Netherlands runs here, and we would do well to propagate that a bit more.’
Not only for ASML
De Hooge emphasises that the Brainport Partnerfonds is not an ‘ASML story’. ‘We are doing this together with other companies, and it is for everyone in the region. Even if you think now, ‘What's in it for me?’ - you're going to notice the difference. We're doing it for the baker on the corner, the student studying here, and the worker looking for affordable housing. A healthy, attractive region is a prerequisite for success, for every business and every resident, now and later.’
According to De Hooge, that also means that as many companies as possible should join the Partner Fund. ‘When you see the bigger picture, you understand that your own success depends on an environment where everyone has equal opportunities. It is important for all of us that this region can continue to grow. Participating means you can make a substantial contribution that you and your employees can be proud of.’
The region has already proven it can work together as an ecosystem. ‘The conditions are good but we don't have years of time, we need to make a quick buck now. Fortunately, everyone has realised this by now: the growth is now, this is the time to push forward together.’
