'This is not an ASML story, it's for everyone in the region'

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 talent development, accessibility, housing, and equal opportunities through the Brainport Partner Fund. ASML is one of the twelve companies that were the first to join the fund. Marjolein de Hooge, head of Social Engagement: “This is not an ‘ASML story’. We're doing this together with other companies; it's for everyone in the region.”

As the driving force behind technological developments in the Brainport region, many people look to ASML when dealing with growth spurts. Of course, the housing shortage, lack of tech talent, clogged roads and unequal opportunities are serious problems in our country. Yet there is a difference. Marjolein de Hooge understands this better than anyone. “Our position brings with it a great responsibility to invest together with other companies in a good future for everyone.”

'The strength of Brainport is the ecosystem'

ASML is already doing a lot in affordable housing, talent development, and social initiatives. Yet, there was no hesitation in joining the Brainport Partner Fund. “Alone, we can never get as much done as together. The strength of Brainport lies in the unique ecosystem of companies, educational institutions, social organizations, and governments that reinforce each other. That is what characterizes this region: we tackle it together. Each according to their strengths, but with the same goal. The Partner Fund is the result of that.”

For ASML, all the pillars of the fund are essential, primarily because of their interconnectedness. “The great thing is that with this fund, we focus on broad prosperity and equal opportunities in addition to social services,” says De Hooge. “The opportunities we see now are felt locally and globally. If you look at the role of the high-tech industry as an essential part of a major industry on the world stage, you cannot dismiss that importance. The technologies developed here keep the world running.”

Marjolein de Hooge, ASML Photo © Nadia Ten Wolde

Growth is necessary but in balance

Brainport Eindhoven's growth is a fact, and you must manage that. Still, De Hooge understands that people look at it with some concern. “Some say, 'Let's keep everything as it was.' But the world doesn't stand still; everything changes. That means taking everyone into account as much as possible.”

The Brainport Partner Fund plays a crucial role in this. With joint investments, the fund ensures that the region remains attractive and livable for everyone. De Hooge gives concrete examples: “Affordable housing is essential for the children and relatives of people who already live here and for newcomers. And a good bus service to the hospital is just as important to many people as a new highway or thriving community activities.”

The Brainport Partner Fund is a testament to the success of the multiple helix formula. “In other parts of the Netherlands, you often see investments in infrastructure and facilities fall away. The opposite is happening here: companies are stepping in together with governments to strengthen the region. That is unique, and we should be enormously proud of that,” says De Hooge.

Not only for ASML

De Hooge emphasizes that the Brainport Partner Fund is not an “ASML story. “We are doing this together with other companies, and it is for everyone in the region. Even if you think now, 'What's in it for me?' - you'll notice the difference. We're doing it for the baker on the corner, the students studying here, and the workers looking for affordable housing. A healthy, attractive region is a prerequisite for success, for every business and every resident, now and later.”

According to De Hooge, that also means that as many businesses as possible should join the Partner Fund. “When you see the bigger picture, you understand that your success depends on an environment where everyone has equal opportunities. It's important to all of us that this region can continue to grow. Participating means you can make a substantial contribution that you and your employees can be proud of.”

The region has already proven it can work together as an ecosystem. “The conditions are good but we don't have years, we need to make a quick push now. Fortunately, everyone has realized this by now: the growth is now; this is the time to push forward together.”