'Building an innovative and inclusive region together'

The success of the Brainport region is leading to significantly more jobs and residents in the coming years. The region is preparing 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. Philips is one of the companies that have joined the fund. President Sylvia van Es: “Since Philips produced its first light bulb in Eindhoven in 1891, we have been at the forefront of many technological innovations that have contributed to the formation of the Brainport region.”

That Philips was one of the first to join the fund is no surprise, as the company's commitment to the region is deeply rooted. Sylvia van Es, president of Philips Netherlands, sees it as a natural responsibility to contribute to the viability of Brainport: “Corporate social responsibility is in our DNA. Ever since our founding, we have had an eye for the community. Today, you can see that, for example, through our role in the association Brainport for Each Other, which focuses on the community's welfare.”

Another good example of that attitude is the Philips Employment Plan (WGP), which has supported people who have difficulties entering the labor market for forty years. “Through this, we offer job seekers a year of paid work experience and personal guidance. Since its inception, some 13,500 people have participated, 70% of whom successfully progressed to a job. This is unique in the Netherlands,” said Van Es.

Shaping the Brainport region

Since Philips produced its first light bulb in Eindhoven in 1891, the company has spearheaded countless technological innovations that have helped shape the Brainport region. Van Es: “Partly because of this, this region has developed into a major driver of innovation in the national and international economy. Today, we focus on innovation in healthcare to enable better care for more people. We are still a major investor in research and development in the region and the Netherlands.”

Philips invests about 700 million euros annually in innovation in the Netherlands, much of it at its campus in Best and the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. “Brainport plays a huge role for Philips, our 6,500 employees in this region, and our activities worldwide. Many of our innovations, which contribute to better healthcare worldwide, are developed here. We are proud that we were at the foundation of Brainport and see enormous innovation potential. Not only for large companies but also for startups that we need to help grow, as we do through support of the Gerard & Anton Awards.”

Sylvia van Es, Philips, at the Gerard & Anton Founders Dinner, photo © Bram van Dal

Accelerating innovations in healthcare

One of Brainport's core strengths is cooperation between companies, government, and knowledge institutions - also known as the triple helix. Van Es cites the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC) as an example. “Here, Philips, TU/e, Catharina Hospital, Máxima Medical Center, and Kempenhaeghe work together to accelerate innovations in healthcare. Thanks to short lines of communication and close cooperation, we can apply technology faster, for example, in the field of AI in healthcare.”

According to Van Es, this joint approach is essential to address the challenges of the future. “Healthcare systems worldwide are facing increasing pressure, both financially and due to staff shortages. Technology and innovation can make a difference by giving healthcare providers more time for patients and empowering people to better care for their health.”

Significant challenges for the region

Brainport's rapid growth has numerous visible and invisible effects. “The region attracts talent from all over the world, which creates a diverse and highly skilled labor market,” Van Es explains. This stimulates not only large companies but also startups and young companies.

Despite the successes, Van Es also sees significant challenges for the region. “We must continue to invest in education and talent development. It's not just about data scientists but also engineers who work on the devices we build here. Training new talented entrepreneurs, technicians, and researchers is crucial for the future so that they continue to make innovation possible.” She also points out the importance of entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship is the engine of our economy. We must continue to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; this is where the rest of the Netherlands can learn a lot from how we do it - together - in Brainport.”

Harnessing the full potential of Brainport

According to Van Es, the Brainport Partner Fund is crucial to making the region future-proof: “The fund contributes to equity, a balanced labor market, housing construction, and better accessibility. The fund creates the conditions that allow us to continue to innovate.” But more is needed to support growth, she says immediately. “We need support from The Hague and Brussels. Only then can we fully exploit Brainport's potential.”

The region's success also brings responsibilities, Van Es notes. “Brainport belongs to all of us. With the Partner Fund, we can work together to create an inclusive, innovative, and future-proof society. Together, we make the difference.”