The business community contributes to societal objectives through the Brainport Partner Fund

A first group of twelve companies from the Brainport region, including VDL Groep, is launching the Brainport Partner Fund today. Through this private fund, regional companies will collectively contribute 219 million euros over the next twelve years to four social objectives: accessibility, affordable housing, additional talent for the labor market, and equal opportunities for all residents.

The private contributions from the Brainport Partner Fund are not standalone. They partly serve as essential co-financing for investments that the central government, North Brabant province, and the 21 municipalities in the Brainport region will undertake in the coming years.

"In the coming years, billions of euros will be invested in the Brainport region," explains director Paul van Nunen of Brainport Development. "Governments have developed a broad package of investments in infrastructure such as fast cycling routes, mobility hubs, and rapid bus lanes. There are programs for building 100,000 affordable homes in the social segment and mid-rent and mid-sale housing. Additionally, companies contribute via the Partner Fund to training, retaining, and recruiting 50,000 extra workers in the coming years and to the social and societal agenda Brainport for Elkaar. This includes initiatives to promote retraining and upskilling to enhance labor participation and thousands of corporate volunteers for social organizations."

The group of participating companies is growing larger and larger

The consortium of companies launching the Partner Fund consists of Philips, VDL Groep, NXP, Wilvo Group, VHE Industrial Automation, AAE, Rabobank, Prodrive Technologies, Van der Hoorn Bending Technology, VB Group, ASML and Strijp-T campus. Discussions to expand the group in the coming years have already started. “We designed the fund so that everyone can participate, from large to small, and from service provider to high-tech manufacturing company.”

President and CEO Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “The world looks to us as the heart of the thriving semiconductor industry. To safeguard our earning capacity ‘of tomorrow’, we must continue investing in our growth. Of course, we are mindful of the concerns that exist. We need to discuss those and resolve them. We do this, among other ways, through this Brainport Partner Fund. It would be unwise not to want this growth. In fact, you’re essentially saying ‘no’ to the prosperity and well-being of future generations. So, we take responsibility, also because technology can solve many problems and challenges in the world. What is good for the region is good for the companies, and vice versa.”

The Brainport Partner Fund is designed so that all companies can participate according to their capacity. “The Brainport region, with its innovative manufacturing industry, is of national and international importance. For us in the region, success depends not only on technology and export but also on whether everyone can benefit from it. It is fantastic that companies think the same and contribute accordingly.”

Mayor and regional chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem is pleased with this important step from the business community: “It is truly unique that the collective business sector in a region is willing to co-finance solutions for societal challenges on such a scale. With this typical Brainport initiative, our business community takes co-responsibility for the society of which they are part. So that we continue to have a pleasant, accessible, and affordable region in the future, with opportunities for everyone.” 

Willem van der Leegte discussed this initiative and the importance of cooperation, talent development, and taking responsibility with Brainport Development. You can read the interview via this link.