Collaboration agreement accelerates development of the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam

Around thirty companies, educational institutions, government bodies and the MICS campus cooperative have signed a collaboration agreement to further develop the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam (MICS). Through this partnership they are strengthening the innovative manufacturing industry in South Holland and building a place where businesses, education and talent work together on the technology of tomorrow. The agreement was initiated by the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH) and is supported by industry associations, the Province of South Holland and Innovation Quarter.

Investing in talent and innovation

Engineering and high-tech manufacturing are vital to the economic strength of the region. To remain internationally competitive, continuous investment is required in talent development, innovation and collaboration between businesses, education and government. The development of MICS directly supports this goal. The campus brings together talent, technology and entrepreneurship, creating a place where innovation, education and industry reinforce one another.

Jan van Zanen, co-chair of MRDH and Mayor of The Hague: “This collaboration agreement for the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam (MICS) once again demonstrates what we in this region can achieve when we join forces. Together with businesses, educational institutions and government we are building a strong manufacturing industry and, with it, a future-proof economy for our region. This agreement is an important step in that direction.”

Carola Schouten, co-chair of MRDH and Mayor of Rotterdam:
“Talent development is more than a labour market issue: it touches the social agenda, the economy and the future of our city and our region. With initiatives such as MICS, but also Campus Rotterdam and other campus developments, we are building strong education, innovation, talent and entrepreneurship in the region. Each with its own focus and expertise. By connecting these strengths, we strengthen the innovative power of this region that is crucial for the Netherlands.”

Doekle Terpstra, strategic envoy for MICS on behalf of MRDH: “We have a unique proposition with exceptionally broad support from thirty partners. I am fully committed to leading this coalition and this collaboration agreement and translating it into tangible results. Together we will seize the opportunities and build an innovation campus of great significance.”

Mechatronics as an economic driver

Mechatronics – the integration of mechanics and electronics – forms the foundation of many high-tech applications, from aerospace and agritech to maritime systems and smart manufacturing processes. Without mechatronics, instruments such as measurement devices, robots and advanced installations would not function.

The Netherlands, and South Holland in particular, has a strong position in developing and building mechatronic systems. Thanks to collaboration between companies, knowledge institutions and a strong supply chain, innovative solutions for a wide range of sectors are created here.

MICS is developing into an important hub for this industry. On the 42-hectare campus, companies, educational institutions and governments work together on innovation, talent development and new technologies. In doing so, MICS contributes to economic growth, higher labour productivity and sustainable employment.

Niels Langenhuizen, director at MICS developer SDK Vastgoed: “We are creating a campus where talent, technology, education and businesses come together. With this collaboration agreement we are taking an important step in strengthening that partnership even further. It confirms that MICS addresses a clear need and is of great significance to the innovative manufacturing industry in South Holland.”

Open campus for working, learning and innovating

MICS is developing into a meeting place where innovative manufacturing companies, knowledge institutions and talent come together. The campus will have strong connections with partners in the region and will contribute to the innovative capacity and economic strength of the metropolitan region.

In addition, MICS will evolve into an open campus where people work, learn and collaborate every day. Good accessibility, space for businesses and facilities such as student housing are part of a broader area development around the campus.

Three pillars of collaboration

The signed agreement outlines the further development of MICS along three pillars.

– (Anchor) companies as the foundation of the campus
Leading companies from the mechatronics, high-tech and manufacturing sectors will be actively involved in innovation programmes, educational development and the use of facilities. This creates a strong economic foundation where businesses can grow. Spectrum will house a hybrid technology centre with shared facilities for education, corporate training and practice-based innovation, focusing on robotics, human-robot interaction and smart manufacturing. Field labs, innovation programmes and a joint research agenda at vocational, applied sciences and university level will also be developed

– Talent development: education and lifelong learning

Educational institutions and companies will collaborate on forward-looking technical education, from primary education through to university. In addition, a broad range of technical courses will be offered for professionals who want to continue developing their skills. MICS will provide a central learning and working environment where students, pupils and professionals collaborate.

– Organisation and governance

To organise the collaboration, the partners will establish a programme-based partnership around MICS. This will not be a new organisation but a flexible structure in which the MICS campus cooperative will also participate. MRDH supports this regional collaboration through its Economic Business Climate contribution scheme. In addition, MRDH will appoint an administrative explorer and a programme manager to further guide the development.

Joint commitment for the future

By signing the collaboration agreement, all parties involved express their long-term commitment to a strong and innovative manufacturing industry in the region.

For MICS, this marks an important step in further developing an open ecosystem where businesses, education and talent come together to work on the technology of tomorrow.

The following companies and educational institutions signed the collaboration agreement:
Batenburg Techniek, Battolyser Systems, Boers & Co, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Festo, FMI, FME, Municipality of Schiedam, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Hatenboer Water, HiDelta, Hittech, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Inholland, Lentiz, MakerMinds, Metrohm, Mikrocentrum, MRDH, Nearfield Instruments, Orga, ROC Mondriaan, SDK Vastgoed, Sew-Eurodrive, Techniek College Rotterdam, TNO.