The municipalities of Almelo, Enschede and Hengelo, together with the knowledge institutions ArtEZ University of the Arts, ROC van Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente, will intensify their collaboration in the areas of knowledge development, keeping talent in Twente and societal innovation. Key themes in this partnership include accessibility, talent development, sustainability and inclusion. To underline this collaboration, the parties have signed a covenant.
By signing this covenant, the municipalities and knowledge institutions reaffirm their shared ambition to make Twente a green, technological top region where knowledge, creativity and social engagement go hand in hand.
Metropolitan heart of Twente
Almelo, Enschede and Hengelo together form the metropolitan heart of Twente and the Euregio. All three cities face major urban challenges, such as:
- Accessibility (to jobs), for example through the development of prime locations;
- Attracting and retaining talent in the broadest sense, by investing in quality amenities, vibrant city centres and attractive living environments;
- Sustainable, safe and liveable cities;
- An inclusive society and social domain.
The covenant focuses on cooperation to address these strategic challenges. The aim is to enhance the social impact of the knowledge institutions on the cities and the cross-border region, while also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a more sustainable world.
Connecting students and cities
The municipalities and knowledge institutions have agreed to work together to strengthen the connection between students and the city. This includes offering so-called “context-rich” education, allowing students to become familiar with the city and its challenges. They also intend to align their communication on research and education with social impact and to further strengthen Twente’s knowledge infrastructure.
“By combining the strengths of our cities and knowledge institutions, we are enhancing Twente’s and the Euregio’s capacity for innovation and quality of life,” said the leaders of the three municipalities and four knowledge institutions. “Together, we are building cities that think in terms of opportunities and invest in the future of our region.”
