Utrecht has presented the REIA Utrecht to the national government
Utrecht Metropolitan Region Presents Investment Agenda for the Netherlands’ Future Economic Potential
The Utrecht Metropolitan Region (MRU) has presented the Spatial-Economic Investment Agenda (REIA) Utrecht, Heart of Health to the national government. Through this public-private agenda, businesses, research institutions, and government agencies demonstrate how investments in health, energy, digitization, and innovation contribute to solutions for major societal challenges as well as to the Netherlands’ future economic potential.
The Netherlands and Europe face challenges in the areas of healthcare, energy, living environment, and competitiveness. The REIA is based on the idea that solutions to these challenges emerge in strong regional ecosystems where knowledge, talent, and entrepreneurship converge. The Utrecht Metropolitan Region is such an ecosystem. Within “Utrecht, Heart of Health,” companies, research institutions, and government agencies collaborate on innovations for healthy people, a healthy living environment, and a healthy society.
A Strong Foundation in Three Strategic Ecosystems
The Utrecht metropolitan region ranks among Europe’s top economic regions, accounts for approximately 12 percent of the Netherlands’ gross domestic product, and is home to Utrecht Science Park, the largest science park in the Netherlands. The agenda builds on three strong ecosystems: Life Sciences & Health, Energy and Climate Technology, and Digitalization. Billions of euros are invested annually in research, development, and innovation within these ecosystems.
Four Investment-Ready Proposals
The REIA focuses on four investment-ready proposals that combine social impact with economic opportunities:
· Red biotechnology for the development of new therapies and medicines;
· MedTech for innovative applications that keep healthcare accessible and affordable;
· PFAS removal for a healthy living environment and new economic opportunities in water technology;
· Smart energy systems to reduce grid congestion and create space for housing, sustainability, and economic activity.
These investments contribute to future-proof healthcare, a stronger competitive position, greater strategic autonomy, and sustainable earning capacity for the Netherlands and Europe.
Prerequisites for Further Growth
To capitalize on these opportunities, investments are also needed in talent, space for innovation, accessibility, energy infrastructure, and housing. By 2040, the region is expected to grow by 165,000 homes and over 110,000 jobs. Favorable preconditions are essential to continue attracting businesses, talent, and investments to the region and to the Netherlands.
Through the REIA, the Utrecht Metropolitan Region invites the national government, the European Union, and other public and private partners to make targeted investments in ecosystems that contribute to societal solutions as well as to the future economic strength of the Netherlands.
Tweede Tweede Kamerleden Henk-Jan Oosterhuis (D66), Mariëtte Patijn (PRO), Jantine Zwinkels (CDA) en Claire Martens - America (VVD) nemen de REIA in ontvangst uit handen van commissaris van de Koning Hans Oosters.
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The billion-pound biotech business
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Art of Health: an inspiring glimpse into our health future
Art of Health, a glimpse into the future of sustainable healthArt of Health, a glimpse into the future of sustainable health, is a series of three exhibition locations in Utrecht and Amersfoort as part of Dutch Health Week (6-13 April 2025). With art from a new generation of creators from the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU), Utrecht, Heart of Health is drawing on the imagination of five artists to offer a sneak peek at a healthy society in the future.With its network of leading companies, knowledge institutions and government bodies, Utrecht, Heart of Health aims to show that Utrecht is at the forefront as the most innovative health region in Europe.The annual Dutch Health Week is a major health event held at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht exhibition centre for both citizens and healthcare professionals. In addition to networking events and symposiums, it is also a showcase for Dutch innovation in the field of health. During Dutch Health Week, Utrecht, Heart of Health will highlight stories of groundbreaking work from the region that contributes to health and a healthy living environment for residents in a healthy, sustainable society. Especially for this week, three glass containers have been placed at locations in Utrecht (Jaarbeursplein, Utrecht Science Park/UMC Utrecht) and in Amersfoort (Eemplein), which can be viewed from 6 to 13 April. The containers display works by five artists collected under the title Art of Health. Each artist responds in their own way with a vision of the future of healthy people in a complex ecological and social system. Opening of the Art of Health exhibitionOn Sunday 6 April, the Art of Health exhibition will open with the signing of the Utrecht Manifesto, Heart of Health, by a number of members of the Economic Board Utrecht, led by Alderman Schilderman of the Municipality of Utrecht. This signing coincides with the opening of Dutch Health Week and the start of Cultural Sunday. It will be accompanied by a live performance of Tussen Wij en Ik (Between Us and Me) by Coco van der Wiel at 12:30 p.m. on Jaarbeursplein and at 3:00 p.m. on Eemplein in Amersfoort.Without the artists literally referring to the groundbreaking work of Utrecht's partners, Heart of Health, their work resonates with scientists' search for health innovations. Artists are fascinated by the power and intelligence of living tissue and microorganisms, which are also increasingly being used in the fight against pandemics and the treatment of cancer. Art of Health also features a container dedicated to social interaction among residents in today's crowded cities. This ties in with recent investments in neighbourhoods in Amersfoort and Utrecht that are modelled on so-called Blue Zones, areas of the world where life expectancy is extremely high thanks to healthy eating and living. These are just a few examples of the Utrecht region's commitment to a healthy and sustainable society. Utrecht, Heart of Health is the mission of the Economic Board Utrecht to combine the strengths of all health initiatives and to strengthen and further expand the position of the Utrecht region internationally. Art of Health, a glimpse into the future of sustainable health, featuring work by a new generation of creators from HKU: Mijs Both, Katharina Busl, Emmy van de Grift, Britt Vendel and Coco van der Wiel. On display during Dutch Health Week, 6-13 April. Locations: Jaarbeursplein, Utrecht Science Park/UMC Utrecht and Eemplein in Amersfoort. Art of Health is a collaboration between Utrecht, Heart of Health and HKU.