De location for the new Smart Industry Hub
SME as missing link
The Hub is built because the SME are still missing in that growing mix of companies on The Campus. “We have a lot of research institutes and R&D on campus, in all shapes and forms, from Philips to the tiny startups. But we want to add the type of company that will actually convert the ideas to products.”
“And we have a lot to offer to them. We can connect them to our international network and image. Which will make it easier fort hem to attract talent. Furthermore, they can be a part of our ecosystem in which different companies complement, inspire and help each other grow.”
In the past, the Campus has had many talks with High Tech SME. “Those mostly got stuck in ambition. We didn’t have the accomodation to offer, one that would suit their needs. Per example, the labs we already have on The Campus, are to big fort he SME to be practical.”
“We have listened to that, because we do want the SME to come to the Campus. From that insight, the idea of building the Hub has sprung. We want the SME to be together under one roof, close to the parties they do business with.”
“Increasing the SME-population on the Campus will improve the chain of businesses we already have.” It’s the missing link according to Schmetz. “New knowledge is born within the walls of the universities and knowledge-institutes. That knowledge is translated into technology and gets more tangible from there on. From the university to Industrial Research, from institutes such as Holst and Solliance, to the R&D-companies to finally find a way tot he market. SME has a growing role in that process.”
A second Hub
The High Tech Campus Eindhoven is building the Hub because the SME’s role has changed throughout the years. “The SME has become smarter and has started operating on an international scale through the years. It has become an increasingly competitive branche. The products that are produced by SME have become increasingly complex, their deliveries have become more flexible. Furthermore, they cater to a group of clients that have become more demanding. Global companies like NXP and ASML ask the SME to be less dependaple on them. They are facing great challenges. We think they can face these challenges when they coöperate.”
By the end of 2016, the work on the new building should start. When it’s finished, there is still more than 103.000 square meters of development space left to build on. There are also some 3.000 available parking spaces left on campus. According to Schmetz, a second Hub could be an option. “If the first one is a succes, we will build again.”
You're using an old browser
The support for your browser is limited. To enhance your internet experience it's recommended to update your browser. Update browser now!