The 2024 annual report paints a picture of a year full of developments and milestones, in which the course for the future of the Northern Netherlands was further sharpened. While challenges such as high energy prices, grid congestion and personnel shortages are also at play in the Northern Netherlands, NOM, together with entrepreneurs, governments and knowledge institutions, has made a strong commitment to innovation and growth. Moreover, 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of NOM, culminating in the visit of Her Majesty Queen Máxima.
Jubilee year with royal recognition
The celebration of the 50th anniversary was all about the past and the future: cherishing the economic foundations that have been built up, renewing the strategic course and propagating the impact on the region. During her visit, Queen Máxima spoke with entrepreneurs and organizations that contribute to the economic development of the Northern Netherlands. Her presence emphasized the importance of cooperation and the resilience of the region.
Gertjan Lankhorst, chairman of NOM's Supervisory Board, looks back on the anniversary year with satisfaction: "Where the focus fifty years ago was on creating as many jobs as possible, we now focus on innovative companies that contribute to broad prosperity and social transitions. In this, growth and impact go hand in hand."
Results 2024: investing in the future
- €31.7 million in new and planned investments.
- 13 innovation projects launched in sectors such as circular economy, energy and high-tech.
- Mentored 44 startups in their early development.
- attracted 6 international companies that contribute to the regional economy.
- The fiscal year ended with a profit of €0.4 million.
Strategic Multi-Year Plan 2025-2028: building a strong Northern Netherlands
The future is central to the Strategic Multi-Year Plan 2025-2028, in which NOM sets course for a sustainable, innovative and internationally connected Northern Netherlands. This plan focuses on strengthening strategic sectors being Watertech & Maritime, Energy & Chemistry, High Tech Systems & Materials, Life Sciences & Health and the Agrifood sector. These are the sectors in which the North excels.
Specifically, together with entrepreneurs, governments and knowledge institutions, NOM makes targeted investments, initiates innovation projects and attracts international companies that contribute to sustainable growth. It also invests in a stronger ecosystem for startups and scale-ups, with specific programs for funding, business development and internationalization. All with one goal: to increase the future earning capacity of the Northern Netherlands and make the region more resilient and innovative.
"This strategic plan is not a paper reality, but a clear roadmap with which we will strengthen the economy of the Northern Netherlands in the coming years, together with entrepreneurs, governments and knowledge institutions," says Dina Boonstra, director of NOM. "We are committed to structural growth, where innovation and cooperation are central. The transitions in energy, circularity and digitalization require a focused approach, and this plan provides a solid foundation for that."
Close cooperation within the sector teams plays a key role in this. Colleagues from the Innovation, Investment and Internationalization teams are already working together on sector development, but the new plan expands this cooperation. Research agencies, knowledge institutions and civil servants will be more intensively involved. This should lead to strengthening of the knowledge position, new earning models and more activity in the region.
Collaboration as an engine for innovation
Through cooperation with many parties, forces are being combined to make the Northern Netherlands future-proof. In addition, a targeted approach per province remains a point of attention, within the broader Northern Netherlands strategy.
With this approach, NOM looks ahead with confidence. The annual report and the multi-year plan underline that the Northern Netherlands is not only prepared for the future, but is actively shaping it.