Public and private frontrunners join forces for economic and societal breakthrough in Parkstad
Read the press release from the Municipality of Heerlen:
During the opening evening of Cultura Nova on 28 August, a broad coalition of public and private organisations signed a joint Letter of Intent. The aim is to develop Parkstad and South Limburg into a leading ecosystem for healthcare innovation, medical technology (MedTech) and broad prosperity. The collaboration brings together government, knowledge institutions, healthcare organisations and businesses around one shared ambition: to combine economic growth with better health and future-proof healthcare.
The Letter of Intent was signed by the Municipality of Heerlen, Zuyderland, CZ, Maastricht University, Maastricht UMC+, Philips, the Province of Limburg, Brightlands Smart Services Campus and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. In doing so, the parties expressed their intention to work together to develop a strong MedTech ecosystem in which innovation, education and practice-oriented research, economic development and societal impact reinforce one another.
Unique qualities
Parkstad – with Heerlen as its central municipality – has unique qualities that make it well suited to take on this role. The region combines a strong knowledge base, an innovative manufacturing industry, high-quality healthcare institutions and a strategic location in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion. Parkstad and South Limburg are already facing challenges that other parts of the Netherlands will face in 10 years: an ageing population, health inequalities and labour-market transitions. This combination makes Parkstad an ideal living lab where new healthcare technologies can not only be developed, but also applied and further developed directly in practice. In Parkstad, solutions for tomorrow can be developed today.
The collaboration focuses on five interconnected priorities: developing healthcare innovation and digital healthcare, and area development around Zuyderland hospital in Heerlen. In addition, the partners aim to stimulate new business activity and high-quality employment, attract, train and retain talent, and reduce health inequalities in the region.
Future-proof healthcare system
The shared ambition aligns with national and European developments in strategic autonomy, health technology, artificial intelligence and economic innovation. By joining forces, the partners aim to contribute to a future-proof healthcare system and create new economic opportunities for Limburg, the Netherlands and Europe. Through remote monitoring and innovative healthcare solutions, patients gain greater control, comfort and peace of mind, all from the comfort of their own homes. This enables faster insights and more continuous monitoring, personalised support and a healthcare experience that better fits into everyday life.
Mayor of Heerlen and one of the initiative's founders, Roel Wever, said: ‘I am proud that today we are taking an important step towards the future of our region. With this collaboration, we are consciously choosing a future in which health, education, innovation and economic development reinforce one another. Parkstad has everything it needs to develop into a leading European centre for healthcare innovation. This requires collaboration, courage and a shared long-term vision. This Letter of Intent marks the beginning of that joint effort.’
Invitation to other organisations
The Letter of Intent marks the starting point for further developing concrete programmes, projects and a joint governance structure. The initiators are also explicitly inviting other organisations to join the collaboration and work together to build the economic and societal future of Parkstad and South Limburg.
The following parties signed the Letter of Intent:
- Roel Wever - Municipality of Heerlen
- Esther Talboom - Zuyderland
- Leonne Prompers - Zuyderland
- Léon Kempeneers - Philips
- Joep de Groot - CZ
- Walter Pijls - Brightlands Smart Services Campus
- Emile Roemer - Province of Limburg
- Helen Mertens - Maastricht UMC+
- Pamela Habibović - Maastricht University
- André Postema - Zuyd University of Applied Sciences