The reputation of maintaining close social ties that has historically been attributed to Brabant, mean that it is a (particularly) good place to invest. The province is keen to keep things that way. It has aspirations to become a European leader in the field of innovative enterprise. This hinges largely on the further promotion of the knowledge economy. Key factors in this respect include sustainability, an enterprising working population and the retention of talent.
Productive region
Brabant is one of the Netherlands’ most productive regions, as various figures witness: Its share of the gross national product, employment levels, the number of companies, and the number of patents in relation to inventions. The area of the province surrounding Eindhoven is in fact Europe’s third leading technological region.
Industry
Agriculture has grown to become a complete food industry in the area around Veghel/Uden/Oss. The pharmaceutical sector and biomedical technology, that is, the new ‘human health’ sector, has developed around Oss. European military air traffic control is jointly organised by Vlissingen and Venlo, while Woensdrecht serves as a hub. Industrial and chemical companies based in the central and western areas of Brabant provide added value to the goods distributed to 300 million consumers in Western and Central Europe through Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Energy Road Map
Brabant opts for innovation and sustainability as the route for the transition to sustainable energy in the Energy Road Map 2010-2020. This map focuses on Brabant's economical strengths: sustainable technological innovation, knowledge and partnerships. Because much is already happening. The trick is to give energy transition shape from our own roles and strengths. And truly make a difference.
International
Brabant boasts around 1000 international companies, with foreign or Dutch managers in charge. Some commenced trading with just a handful of employees, while their current workforces number hundreds. The approach adopted in Brabant appears to be very much in line with the aspirations of the international business world.