The Northern Netherlands is listed among the top 10 best regions in Europe with a foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy, according to a new survey by the internationally leading business newspaper Financial Times. And with that, both the new 'volume to value' strategy of the NOM and the TopDutch campaign gain international recognition.
The TopDutch region was ranked 8th for medium-sized regions. The score was based on a number of factors, including the number of foreign companies that landed or expanded in the region last year and the offer for investors with an ambitious ESG agenda. But the new strategy to invest smarter, healthier and more sustainably also played an important role.
'The changes in the investment climate are having an impact on acquisition strategies,' says Manager of Innovation and Internationalization Anne-Wil Lucas. 'And the Volume-to-Value discussion shows just how important it is to adopt a new strategy for internationalization. It's wonderful that this ranking recognizes the Northern Netherlands as one of the most promising regions of the future.’
Volume to Value
The new FDI strategy is all about the value an international company can add to the region. 'We've become much more selective with this new acquisition strategy, and that's a whole different ball game,' Lucas continued. 'Our focus is on companies that fit the innovation ecosystems of the Northern Netherlands, such as water technology, green chemistry and energy.'
In 2023, several of these companies made their way to the TopDutch region, including the pioneering Californian startup Aquacycl. At the WaterCampus in Leeuwarden, the startup is already busy taking the next steps in their European expansion. Aquacycl specifically chose the northern Netherlands because of the region's ambitious and supportive business climate and access to specialized research and knowledge institutions. 'They bring new technology to the region that's also very valuable to other companies,' Lucas continues. 'And conversely, they also actively seek cooperation with the Water Campus, because the knowledge and expertise they have available is just as valuable to Aquacycl. It's a company that chooses the Northern Netherlands for the ecosystem and not for the available space, which is great to see.’
'It's great that we’re being recognized for our qualities as a region,' adds Simon Kloppenburg, Campaign Manager of TopDutch. 'And TopDutch's Missing Link campaign ties in very well with the new strategy of NOM and NFIA. Part of that is mapping out what the region really needs so that we can set up targeted international campaigns to attract the right companies. We launched the TopDutch campaign less than a year ago, but it’s great and above all important that we can contribute to putting the Northern Netherlands on the map. We’re very proud and we see this ranking as a great start!’