New programme ‘Productivity in Practice’ helps companies work 20% more efficiently
Brainport Industries, Rabobank, KplusV and Brainport Development are launching Productivity in Practice (PiP): a programme that helps manufacturing companies, particularly in the manufacturing industry, to increase their labour productivity by an average of 20% within 2 to 5 years. The initiative will start in early 2026 with a pilot in which entrepreneurs, supported by mentors and experts, will work on their own productivity issues for 9 to 12 months. This could include smarter organisation, better use of data, technological innovation and talent development.
The Dutch manufacturing industry is under pressure from increasing international competition, staff shortages and lagging productivity growth. These developments pose a direct threat to the competitiveness of companies. At the same time, there are plenty of opportunities to structurally increase productivity through technological innovation, smarter organisation and better use of data and talent.
Collaboration for impact
Each of the four partners contributes their own strengths:
- Brainport Industries as a network of high-tech manufacturing companies and a driver of innovation;
- Rabobank as a co-financier and strategic partner, with knowledge, network and appropriate financing solutions;
- KplusV as the developer and implementer of the programme, with expertise in transformation processes;
- Brainport Development as a partner in the implementation, using its network and expertise to connect companies and strengthen the programme.
Marc Cootjans, director of Rabobank Eindhoven Region: ‘We see increasing labour productivity as one of the main challenges for the Dutch economy. On the one hand, to limit dependence on the very tight labour market and labour migration and, on the other hand, to maintain companies' profit margins.’
Paul van Nunen, director of Brainport Development: "The high-tech industry in the Brainport region is growing. Tens of thousands of additional skilled workers will be needed in the coming years. By 2032, all sectors will need roughly 70,000 additional technicians and IT professionals to accommodate growth and replacement. This requires a mix of measures, such as increasing the influx from education. At the same time, we need to limit the demand for labour. That is why increasing labour productivity in the manufacturing industry is crucial. This programme is a good example of that."
John Blankendaal, Managing Director Brainport Industries: ‘The strength of our region lies in collaboration and action. Productivity in Practice demonstrates precisely that: entrepreneurs working together to produce in a smarter, more efficient and more future-proof way. We not only help companies grow, but also ensure that the entire chain emerges stronger from the challenges of our time.’
Tom van der Schoot, advisor and partner at KplusV: ‘We believe in “entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs”. That is why we have developed a programme together with entrepreneurs in which (manufacturing) companies learn from each other and become more productive step by step.’
A boost for the region and the sector
With this programme, the partners want to contribute to:
- Economic vitality and employment in the region;
- Strengthening chain cooperation and innovation;
- Solutions for labour market shortages;
- Positioning as partners in more future-proof entrepreneurship.
What are the benefits?
Based on initial analyses and interviews, participating companies are expected to significantly improve their labour productivity, with an average increase of approximately 20% within 2 to 5 years. This expectation will be further tested during the pilot phase and based on baseline and final measurements.
Would you like to know more about the programme or would you like to participate? Please contact Daphne Groenevelt, consultant, KplusV, at d.groenevelt@kplusv.nl