What innovations are helpful for a long and healthy life? How can we make our knowledge economy respond to them? How do we ensure sufficient vaccines in the event of the next pandemic? At Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven, knowledge institutions, companies and government are working together on all kinds of innovations in the field of health and care. This innovation location is a good example of where the region excels: Utrecht, Heart of Health. Beating heart of a healthy society.
On Monday, April 15, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Micky Adriaansens visited Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven (USPB) together with deputy André van Schie. This campus is working on smart opportunities and solutions to improve health in the region, the Netherlands and the world. For example, the location contributes to research on better preparation for pandemics, such as the Corona crisis, in the future. As a satellite location, USPB is part of the Utrecht Science Park, the largest science park in the Netherlands with over 30,000 employees at leading knowledge institutions, research institutes and companies.
USPB is unique and special because it houses many companies that are experts in the field of health, such as the company Bilthoven Biologicals. This company mainly makes vaccines for diseases such as polio. Now they are even building, commissioned by Europe, a special center to make vaccines quickly when the need is high.
During the visit, the minister and deputy discussed how to make USPB even better. Important for the economy of the region and the country. Delegate Van Schie called for supporting such places and connecting them with other companies and institutions that are also engaged in knowledge development and innovation, both within the Utrecht region and beyond.
Improving locations, such as USPB, also requires enough space for such places and good accessibility. This is not always easy, as the Utrecht region has a limited amount of space for many different issues, such as housing construction and energy transition. Still, it is important to invest in these kinds of places, because they help create a better future.
The minister’s visit to the Utrecht region is good for the cooperation between the Utrecht region and the national government. Together they want to continue to encourage innovation. USPB and its inspiring examples help not only the Utrecht region, but also the entire Netherlands to find smart solutions to issues of the future.