'Brainport is an economic success story, but also the place where everyone should have opportunities'

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, putting pressure on society. Every resident must be able to participate, but that does not happen by itself. In addition to support from the national government, the business community is investing in measures in the areas of talent development, accessibility, housing and equal opportunities through the Brainport Partner Fund. NXP is one of the companies that have joined the fund. Director Jean Schreurs of NXP Netherlands: “Brainport should not only be an economic success story, but also a place where everyone gets opportunities.”

For NXP, with headquarters and an R&D department at the High Tech Campus, the region is crucial. Director Jean Schreurs sees Brainport as a center for innovation and an essential link in NXP's global position. “Brainport gives us positive attention from politicians, customers, and talents. It is a signboard that helps us shine internationally.” This visibility translates directly into concrete benefits. For example, NXP organized the Semiconductor Summer School together with ASML and TU/e, bringing sixty master's students from all over the world to Eindhoven. “They come here because of the good reputation of Brainport,” says NXP.

That international allure also comes with a responsibility. “We cannot benefit from a booming economy without giving something back to society. As a company, we feel that is our duty. Our employees also ask for this; they want to contribute to a healthy ecosystem,” says Schreurs. For example, NXP has been doing this for almost twelve and a half years through Samen voor Eindhoven, where individual employees support social organizations.

Education and equity as spearheads

Within the focus areas of the Brainport Partnerfonds, Schreurs considers talent development and equity crucial. “Education is the most important thing for our company. We need technical talent to keep growing. At the same time, opportunity equality is an indispensable basis for a healthy society. Everyone must be able to participate, regardless of where their cradle was. Only then can we be sustainably successful as a region.”

According to Schreurs, this is not a casual choice. He refers to the global competitive battle in which Brainport finds itself. “If we do not continue to grow, we will fall behind. Other countries will take our chances, and we will reap the bitter fruits of that later. Growth is essential but in a responsible way. Everyone must be able to share in the success.”

The power of cooperation

A unique characteristic of Brainport is the strong cooperation between companies, knowledge institutions, and governments. Schreurs calls it a key factor in the region's success. “Companies know and trust each other. They are customers, suppliers, or cooperation partners. That ecosystem makes Brainport unique.” He sees a typical example of this in the New Year's reception 'New Horizon'. “The initiative for this comes from the entrepreneurs, not the government. Companies take the lead here with focus and perseverance. This is Brainport: put your shoulders to the wheel and go for it.”

In addition, Schreurs sees the historical connection with Philips as a vital factor. NXP, like many other successful companies, emerged from that parent company. Currently, the company has 2,500 employees in the Netherlands, half of whom focus on research and development. “Many companies in Brainport have Philips as a common origin. That creates a shared history and mutual understanding. It makes cooperation natural.”

NXP Cleanroom, © Nadia Ten Wolde

Besides aiming for cooperation, Brainport also characterizes itself as focusing on the future. “At NXP, people are now working on technology that we won't think is normal until 10 or 20 years from now. That makes this region unique. Look at the development of the nearfield communication chip. The first research on that took place in 1994, in 2002 the patents were fixed, in 2012 the chip was only really tested. Now, everyone thinks it is quite normal to make a secure wireless payment with your bank card or your phone. We are working today on the technology that we won't use in full until decades from now.” So everything for the future, but all this technological progress must go hand in hand with social commitment, warns Schreurs. “Brainport should not only be an economic success story but also a place where everyone gets opportunities.”

Why other companies should join the fund

Schreurs urges other companies to join the Brainport Partner Fund. “By joining, you become even more part of the big picture. This is such a great initiative; you want to be there. It's a unique opportunity to make an impact and have a say in the region's future.” He emphasizes that participation is open to businesses of all sizes. “The fund works by capacity, so there is an opportunity for everyone to participate.”

According to Schreurs, the main reason for joining the Partner Fund is to care for a good society together. “But in addition, such transparently organized cooperation always opens doors to new partners and solutions for the most complex challenges. When you share what you want to achieve, you gain additional brainpower. That increases the chances of finding the right solutions.”

With the Brainport Partner Fund, NXP is taking an important step to guard the balance between economic growth and social welfare. “We need each other to keep moving this region, and thus the Netherlands, Europe, and the world, forward.”