WTC/e as a connector in an international context

Lars van der Hoorn: “When we look at WTC/e, we see a strong network of involved entrepreneurs who know how to find each other, but it is also the international knowledge and the worldwide international WTC network that make the WTCE distinctive.

We can and want to play an important role as a connector in the internationally oriented Brainport region. Our mission: we bring the world to your table. On location, but certainly also through the digital highway. If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is that the world is digitally within reach. And WTC/e can play an important role in this thanks to its global network, but also by being a connector between business, government and academia in the Brainport region.”

Municipality of Eindhoven to keep the region together

The Triple Helix, the collaboration between the business community, government and knowledge institutions, is the model that the new mayor of Eindhoven -Jeroen Dijsselbloem- certainly agreed with. In the interview he had that evening with moderator Simone van Trier, he emphasized the unique character of the collaboration, but added a fourth partner in his role as mayor: society. “Obviously, I also hear the opinions of those who disagree and think that the strong economic growth is at the expense of society. The housing market is under pressure, accessibility leaves much to be desired, social inequality is growing and we must above all keep society safe and livable. We certainly do not close our eyes to these sounds and therefore work together with the partners in the Triple Helix to improve matters. For example, we recently successfully lobbied in The Hague for an investment to improve accessibility. We do this together with companies such as ASML and VDL, who also literally make their financial contribution to these plans. I can tell you that is unique and that is also experienced by politicians. As a result, the plans can now be realized. And this is just one example. Know that as the largest municipality in the Brainport region, we feel and take our responsibility to keep the region together. We are also making improvements within our own organization for this purpose. Together with our partners, we monitor the balance between economic growth and quality of life in society. The Brainport region belongs to everyone and everyone can and may benefit from it.”

ASML Global citizen, Good neighbor

It became clear that he is not alone in this when Peter Wennink, in his role as keynote speaker, took the floor. In a fascinating speech, he introduced the entrepreneurs in the room about ASML's unrestrained growth, which is anticipated to triple its revenue by 2030.

Wennink: “The question is not whether we are growing, but the challenge is how we can manage growth in a responsible manner. Chip production will increase worldwide and the demand for our machines will increase accordingly. The challenge for ASML is how we can make production scalable. This not only means more highly qualified manpower, but also far-reaching automation of processes while maintaining and improving quality, reliability and innovation. We also want to see these processes of professionalization at our chain partners and where possible we support them in this. This is not only necessary to meet demand, but also to remain a relevant global player as ASML and region.”

Wennink is also aware that there needs to be a balance between social progress and economic expansion. "The Brainport must be a place where people can work in addition to being a good place to live. As a result, we also offer programs that encourage sports, culture, and education. We aspire to be decent neighbors as well as global citizens. And we can only do that if we work together with WTC/e and other partners, including those in the Triple Helix. Together, we live and work in a world that is dynamic and ever-changing, yet on which everyone in the Brainport Region has an equal status.

In a brief speech delivered from New York, Robin van Puyenbroeck expressed his congratulations to the board and members on behalf of the WTC Association and stated that he considered WTCE to be an excellent example of a modern WTC. Compliments were gratefully accepted by the people in attendance  because they knew that everything needed for a successful journey toward WTCE's 50th anniversary was already in place.