'Our well-being is there thanks to Brainport - we want to hold on to that'

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 invests in measures of talent development, accessibility, housing, and equal opportunities through the Brainport Partner Fund. Rabobank is one of the 12 companies that were the first to join the fund.

“Rabobank's roots are here,” says Carlo van Kemenade, a Rabobank's Group Executive Board member responsible for operations in the Netherlands. “125 years ago, the first Boerenleenbank of the Netherlands was opened in Geldrop, a forerunner of Rabobank. The founder of the Boerenleenbank was Father Van den Elsen, born in Gemert. This region is close to our hearts, important for the Netherlands and our bank. Our cooperative signature has always driven us. Today, we fill that role by addressing social problems as Rabobank and our participation in the Brainport Partner Fund fits perfectly with that cooperative tradition.”

Marc Cootjans, cooperative director of Rabobank East Brabant, calls collaboration a core value of this region. “Here, technology goes hand in hand with society. The partner fund is not just a charity project; it is an investment in the future of Brainport.” According to Van Kemenade and Cootjans, the social return is central to this, meaning the investments should make the region more livable for everyone. “And as we all know, economic benefits follow naturally from this.”

Cooperation between private and public parties

The rapid growth of high-tech companies such as ASML has put the Brainport region on the map as a world-class innovation hub. But this success also brings challenges. “Not everyone benefits equally,” Cootjans explains. “Social problems are increasing, such as a shortage of housing and insufficient facilities. We need to take action to prevent inequality from growing further. With the Partner Fund, we can contribute to that.”

Van Kemenade emphasizes that the fund builds on a tradition of taking responsibility. “Philips laid the foundation for what Brainport is today. Now it is our turn to invest in a society that offers space for everyone, regardless of education level or origin.” Cootjans argues that the success of companies in Brainport is inextricably linked to the region. “So it is a matter of decency that we contribute to the region's livability. Of course, a large company can do more than an SME, but every contribution counts.”

The cooperation between private and public parties makes the Brainport Partner Fund special. “The fund enables public investment by laying a strong private foundation,” says Cootjans. “This approach suits the region: we are used to working together and joining forces.”

Carlo van Kemenade (Rabobank) - photo Nadia ten Wolde

Channeling activities

Van Kemenade, who still lives in the Brainport Eindhoven region, also sees this as a unique opportunity to involve companies in social issues. “Companies often have the expertise and resources to solve problems. For example, by deploying data analysis or innovative solutions for housing projects or improving transportation systems.”

Cootjans observes a nice parallel between the Partner Fund and the activities of Brainport Voor Elkaar, the initiative that encourages employers to engage in the social agenda in the region. A lot of good things are already happening there, he says. However, he expects even more impact if there were better channeling of activities toward the most relevant themes, such as healthcare and education. “A more project-based approach as well. There are tens of thousands of advanced professionals working here with data management, dashboarding, and AI expertise. Many civil society organizations can benefit from that.” For example, Brightcape was able to help Lumens build a functional dashboard.

Thinking in possibilities

Van Kemenade emphasizes that the fund is not just about financial contributions. “Companies can also contribute their time and expertise. Think of employees doing volunteer work or sharing knowledge with social organizations. It's about structural commitment, not just one-time actions.”

Marc Cootjans (Rabobank) - photo Nadia ten Wolde

Although the intentions are good, Cootjans and Van Kemenade also see thresholds and practical challenges. “Of course, there are still the necessary obstacles,” says Cootjans. “But it is precisely in Brainport that we think in terms of possibilities. We are used to finding solutions and breaking through those barriers.”

World-class with a human face

Brainport Eindhoven is known worldwide for its innovative strength. However, according to Cootjans and Van Kemenade, combining technology and humanity makes the region unique. “We have a metropolis-like scale, but the network remains manageable. This makes cooperation more effective,” Cootjans explains.

He concludes with an appeal to those companies that are not yet members of the Partner Fund: “Please join, because this allows us to influence our immediate environment. For us at Rabobank, it was obvious that the Brainport Partner Fund is a wonderful example of cooperative banking in a modern guise. By investing together in our region, we ensure that Brainport remains a place where everyone can prosper not only today but also tomorrow.”