We organized, in cooperation with Planbureau Fryslân and the RUG, a meeting around a central question: what is the economic state of the Northern Netherlands? We live in a time of major transitions that directly affect our region. But how to get a grip on these changes as a region? How do you make informed choices about what to invest in, what to strengthen or let go of?
Knowledge needed for effective interventions must be well attuned to the ecosystems of the Northern Netherlands. This is what Marijn Molema argued on Wednesday, May 28, in the Johannes de Doperkerk in Leeuwarden. A "go-to lecture" outlined that we have done a lot of place-based monitoring over the past decades. This has allowed us to visualize the opportunities and obstacles of our region. We need to preserve this tradition of analysis and interpretation and at the same time an 'eagle eye' on the regional economy is needed. 'System-based monitoring' leads to knowledge that is closer to policy, and therefore can provide more perspectives for action. Development and implementation of system-based monitoring requires cooperation between the knowledge institutions, governments and the business community of the Northern Netherlands.
Molema illustrated his plea using the WaterCampus monitor. This analyzes the development of water technology as an "ecosystem. The example was further explained by Hein Molenkamp, director of the Water Alliance. In addition, Roos Jelier, director of CMO STAMM, responded. She argued for the preservation and further development of monitor research. In practice, monitoring is already done at the system level. For example, the "Alliance of Strength" is researching how the system of combating poverty in the Groningen-Drentse Veenkoloniën works.
The relaunch lecture marked the end of the special teaching assignment Molema performed between 2020 and 2025 at the University of Groningen, on behalf of Planbureau Fryslân. Partly for this reason, third-year students gave a presentation. With the help of American-Italian economist Mariana Mazzucato, they illustrated how innovations in agrifood are often accompanied by social missions.
At the end of the afternoon, Arjen Droog, director of Planbureau Fryslân, expressed his thanks. Finally, Kennisweb Noord was launched.
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Kennisweb Noord is a regional cooperation network that develops and shares up-to-date data and analysis on the economy of the Northern Netherlands, with the aim of better informed policy, increased cooperation and a stronger Northern Netherlands economy. Join us and contribute to the innovative power of the TopDutch region!