University of Groningen takes leading role in autonomous economy
Rector Jacquelien Scherpen at Autonomous Systems Conference: “We have everything we need to play a leading role in the autonomous economy”
Published on April 2, 2025
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In the world of artificial intelligence, smart systems and robotics, autonomy is the key word. At the opening of the National Congress Autonomous Systems 2025, Jacquelien Scherpen, rector magnificus of the University of Groningen (RUG), showed that the Northern Netherlands is not only moving along with this development, but emphatically wants to be at the forefront. “We have everything we need to play a leading role in the autonomous economy,” she stated during her opening speech in the Drachten theater.
As a former researcher in measurement and control technology, Scherpen is no stranger to the field of autonomous systems. Since taking office as rector in September 2023, she has been making strategic use of that expertise. “Even though as rector I am a bit further removed from the day-to-day research, I am still very involved in this topic,” she said. Her speech was a plea for cooperation, agility and regional strength.
An ecosystem for autonomy
The University of Groningen has been working with partners in the region for years on the technology of the future. Part of the Mechanical Engineering master's program was moved to the north in collaboration with the Drachten Innovation Cluster, the province of Fryslân and the municipality of Smallingerland. “It took some doing, but it has become a great success,” says Scherpen. It is an example of how the university is actively strengthening the region.
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Within the Drachten Innovation Cluster, high-tech companies, knowledge institutes and government agencies work closely together on the development of autonomous systems. “The Netherlands wants to be a leader in this field,” said Scherpen. “And the north, with Drachten at its core, shows how this can be done: with joint projects, shared infrastructure and a culture of open innovation.”
Education as the driving force of the transition
Education is crucial in the transition to an autonomous economy. The University of Groningen is therefore investing heavily in innovative courses, including the recently launched Engineering Doctorate Autonomous Systems. This two-year post-master's program focuses on practice-oriented innovation within companies and fits in seamlessly with the themes of the conference.
In addition, there are regular 'student safaris' and matchmaking events that connect students with companies in the region. “That way, we bring talent and application together,” says Scherpen. She also mentioned the collaboration within the 'University of the North', a broad partnership of secondary vocational education, higher professional education and research universities. “We work in a transdisciplinary and cross-border way. That is exactly what is needed to make an impact.”
The fifth-generation university
The RUG explicitly presents itself as a so-called fifth-generation university. “We are not only broadly academic, but also a technical university,” Scherpen explained. “This combination enables us to tackle issues integrally: from ethics to engineering, from economics to automation.”
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This also means that the university consciously focuses on social impact. “We must be agile,” said Scherpen, “and respond to the major transitions of our time: in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and the energy transition.” Autonomous systems are indispensable in this, she says. “They make processes smarter, work less labor-intensive and more sustainable. But other work will also take its place, and we need people for that.”
Retaining talent in the North
An important concern for Scherpen is attracting and retaining technical talent in the Northern Netherlands. “We train excellent engineers, but they don't always end up here. We want to change that.” The demographic decline makes this challenge all the more urgent. Especially when you consider that the Northern Netherlands has the lowest percentage of students who choose a science and technology profile.
“We must do something about this together,” she urged. ‘By showing how important technology is, and by inspiring students.’ The conference in Drachten is a good example of this, she believes: ”It shows where we want to go and what we have to offer.”