What makes an innovation ecosystem a success?

What makes an innovation ecosystem successful? How can regions like Brainport Eindhoven become global hubs for technology and innovation? What does it take to get there? Within the EU-funded project COOPERATE, Marcel Bogers investigates how regional innovation hubs can support the EU's innovation strategy. Bogers is working with Brainport Development, STAM SRL, IDEA Consult, Technical University of Denmark, Science City Lyngby and Czech Technical University in Prague. As part of his quest, Bogers recently spoke with Wim De Kinderen and Kevin van Lierop of Brainport Development about the conditions for thriving ecosystems, the role of collaboration, and the lessons that other regions can learn.

In this article, we take stock of those two conversations.

What is an innovation ecosystem?

An innovation ecosystem is more than a collection of companies and knowledge institutions. It is a network in which different parties work together to stimulate new technologies and economic growth. According to Wim De Kinderen, it boils down to a simple core: "An innovation ecosystem is basically a bunch of people working together.”

But obviously, the reality is a bit more complex. According to Marcel Bogers, ecosystems are dynamic structures where joint value creation is central: "An ecosystem creates surplus value - the whole is more than the sum of its parts. But that requires cooperation between companies, knowledge institutions, governments, and civil society organizations.”

Brainport Eindhoven is one such ecosystem. Initially heavily influenced by Philips, the region has developed into a world player in high-tech systems and semiconductors.

The key to success: focus and cooperation

According to Kevin van Lierop, who works within Brainport Development to strengthen regional cooperation, focus is one of Brainport's key success factors: “Many ecosystems want to do everything at once. But Brainport's strength lies in choosing and building on a few core technologies. Focus is essential to bring the right partners to the table and work together strategically.”

Brainport focuses, for example, on semiconductors and photonics technology. This helps the region not only attract investment but also build international partnerships. According to Van Lierop, Brainport Development is a connecting factor: "We ensure that companies, knowledge institutions, and governments sit around the table. We set a joint agenda and identify where we can make a difference as a region.”

The role of international cooperation

An innovation ecosystem does not stop at national borders. That's why cooperation at the European level is essential. De Kinderen, working partly in Brussels for Brainport Development, emphasizes that the EU increasingly recognizes that ecosystems drive innovation. “The European Commission has embraced the concept of innovation ecosystems, but the different policy domains within the EU still too often operate separately. We advocate better alignment of budgets and strategies.” An example is the i3 program (Interregional Innovation Investments), a European initiative to support ecosystems and their industrial applications.

In addition, according to Van Lierop, it is crucial to think internationally: "We look globally for partners with complementary expertise. For example, we are working with hubs in other countries to strengthen the European position in the semiconductor sector.” Brainport focuses not only on technology but also on talent. Attracting highly skilled professionals is a priority. “We have a strong knowledge base in photonics, but we need to attract global talent to leverage that expertise.”

Universities and educational institutions

In addition to companies and governments, universities play a crucial role in innovation ecosystems. According to Van Lierop, the strength of TU Eindhoven and other educational institutions lies in three aspects:

1. Talent development: “The university provides highly trained engineers who are essential to industry.”
2. Knowledge valorization: “Translating research into startups and spinoffs is an important pillar.”
3. Collaboration with companies: “Universities are increasingly collaborating with industry to accelerate innovation jointly.”

Although this collaboration does not always come naturally, Van Lierop stresses the importance of mutual understanding: "Each party has its own role. It's about aligning those roles and setting a common course.”

Lessons for other ecosystems

What can other regions learn from Brainport Eindhoven? According to Bogers and Van Lierop, there are several important lessons:

• Choose a clear focus: “Don't try to do everything simultaneously. Build a strong core and expand it strategically."
• Create a culture of cooperation: “Brainport has open innovation in its DNA. Companies compete, but also cooperate where they can."
• Work on a long-term vision: "Brainport was not created in a few years. This is a process of decades."
• Engage international partners: “Regional ecosystems are stronger when they connect with other hubs in Europe and beyond.”

According to Bogers, developing ecosystems is not an exact science: "You cannot design an ecosystem like a building. It grows organically and has to be constantly adapted.” Van Lierop adds that success partly depends on historical factors or coincidences, such as the presence of Philips in Brainport. However, other regions can also find their own niche: "Every region has unique strengths. The key is to recognize those and build on them strategically.”

Don't simply copy

So, innovation ecosystems like Brainport Eindhoven do not arise by themselves. They require focus, cooperation, a long breath, and an open mind to the rest of the world. For other regions, this means that they cannot simply copy Brainport but can learn from the way Brainport uses its network, expertise, and strategic choices to remain internationally leading.

Or as Bogers summarizes: "Ecosystems are constantly evolving. Successful regions leverage their strengths, are open to collaboration, and continue to adapt to the changing world.”

You can find more about the COOPERATE project via Marcel Bogers' podcast, which can be listened to via Spotify.