“This region holds gold in its hands,” according to governance explorer Doekle Terpstra.

“This region holds gold in its hands, but success will depend on establishing sustainable collaboration between business and education.”

With this clear message, Doekle Terpstra, governance explorer for MICS on behalf of the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH), underlines the importance of structural connectivity in South Holland. Together with Joost van der Veen, Programme Manager for Beethoven South Holland, he is a guest in MRDH’s podcast series. In the episode, they discuss one of the greatest challenges — and opportunities — for our region: talent development for the high-tech manufacturing industry.

From ambition to action

How do we ensure that more young people choose a career in engineering?
How do we organise sustainable collaboration between education and industry?
And how do we capitalise on South Holland’s exceptional knowledge position?

These questions go to the heart of what MICS stands for. South Holland boasts a unique concentration of knowledge institutions, innovative companies and industrial strength. From pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) to university level, the potential is there. However, to truly unlock that potential, structural collaboration is essential.

The podcast makes it clear that isolated initiatives are not enough. What is needed is a shared vision and a long-term strategy in which education and industry strengthen one another not occasionally, but structurally.

MICS as the connecting link

Terpstra is currently working with a steering group on developing such a shared vision. The goal: to structurally strengthen the connection between education and industry — from VMBO to university — within and around MICS.

MICS is being positioned as the place where education and high-tech manufacturing come together. A place where students learn in an environment directly connected to real-world practice. Where companies contribute to curricula, practical assignments and innovation. And where talent development does not stop at graduation, but continues through lifelong learning.

By aligning education much more closely with the high-tech manufacturing industry, an ecosystem can emerge in which talent can grow, businesses can innovate, and the region can further strengthen its international knowledge position.

Investing in the future of South Holland

The urgency is clear. Demand for technical talent is growing, while enrolment is under pressure. At the same time, the region offers unprecedented opportunities in the fields of mechatronics, innovation and manufacturing.

Strengthening collaboration between education and industry is therefore not an option, but a prerequisite for future-proof economic growth.

More information about the joint vision and next steps will follow in March.

Curious to hear the full conversation? The podcast episode is well worth a listen. Click here:
👉 https://mrdh.nl/podcast-samen-vooruit-doekle-terpstra-joost-der-veen