The 2024 annual report paints a picture of a year full of developments and milestones, during which the course for the future of the Northern Netherlands was further refined. While challenges such as high energy prices, grid congestion, and labor shortages are also present in the Northern Netherlands, the NOM has worked closely with entrepreneurs, government agencies, and research institutions to promote innovation and growth. In 2024, the NOM also celebrated its 50th anniversary, culminating in a visit by Her Majesty Queen Máxima.
Jubilee year with royal recognition
The 50th-anniversary celebration focused on the past and the future: cherishing the economic foundations that have been built, renewing the strategic direction, and highlighting 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 underscored the importance of collaboration and the region’s resilience.
Gertjan Lankhorst, chairman of the NOM’s Supervisory Board, looks back with satisfaction on the anniversary year: "Whereas fifty years ago the focus was on creating as many jobs as possible, we now focus on innovative companies that contribute to broad-based prosperity and societal transitions. Growth and impact go hand in hand."
2024 Results: Investing in the Future
- €31.7 million in new and planned investments.
- 13 innovation projects have been launched in sectors such as the circular economy, energy, and high-tech.
- Supported 44 startups in their early stages of development.
- Six international companies have been attracted 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 2025–2028 Strategic Multi-Year Plan, in which the NOM sets a course toward a sustainable, innovative, and internationally connected Northern Netherlands. This plan focuses on strengthening strategic sectors, namely Water Tech & Maritime, Energy & Chemicals, High-Tech Systems & Materials, Life Sciences & Health, and the Agrifood sector. These are the sectors in which the North excels.
In practical terms, this means that NOM, together with entrepreneurs, government agencies, and knowledge institutions, makes targeted investments, initiates innovation projects, and attracts international companies that contribute to sustainable growth. In addition, investments are being made to strengthen the ecosystem for startups and scale-ups, with specific programs for funding, business development, and internationalization. All of this has a single goal: to increase the future earning potential of the Northern Netherlands and make the region more resilient and innovative.
“This strategic plan is not just a piece of paper, but a clear roadmap that will enable us to strengthen the economy of the Northern Netherlands in the coming years, together with entrepreneurs, government agencies, and knowledge institutions,” says Dina Boonstra, director of the NOM. “We are committed to structural growth, with innovation and collaboration at its core. The transitions in energy, circularity, and digitization require a targeted approach, and this plan provides a solid foundation for that.”
Close collaboration 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 this collaboration will be expanded under the new plan. Research agencies, knowledge institutions, and government officials will be more closely involved. This is expected to lead to a stronger knowledge base, new revenue models, and increased economic activity in the region.
Collaboration as a driver of innovation
Through collaboration with many stakeholders, efforts are being combined to make the Northern Netherlands future-proof. In addition, a targeted approach for each province remains a priority within the broader Northern Netherlands strategy.
With this approach, the NOM looks to the future with confidence. The annual report and the multi-year plan underscore that the Northern Netherlands is not only prepared for the future, but is also actively shaping it.