Hanze connects research, education and professional field more than ever

From plastic recycling and music therapy for anxiety and depression to the use of drones in agriculture: the professional field and Hanze are working closely together on innovations with practical applications. These collaborations are more intensive than ever.

Skilled at building connections, Hanze is a key player within the Dutch cooperation network. The university of applied sciences fulfils a connecting role between education, business and government. This is evident from a network analysis published today by research agency Birch, commissioned by the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences. Hanze's collaborative network has grown strongly in ten years and has distinct regional roots. 

Key player 

In 2024, the knowledge institute's network included more than 150 large projects, with over 2000 partners. Within each project, Hanze works together with about 20 organisations. According to the study, this makes the university of applied sciences a key player within the Dutch cooperation network. The growth reflects a national trend. According to Birch, universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands have become core players in innovation. Nationally, the network of universities of applied sciences now has more than 64,000 unique partners. 

Applied research: engine for knowledge and innovation  

The applied research of universities of applied sciences is a powerful engine for innovation, productivity growth and regional development in the Netherlands. Universities of applied sciences are not just able to work with large companies and public institutions, but uniquely they are also able to reach SMEs. More than half of the collaborative partners are companies. Universities of applied sciences thus serve a large proportion of the innovative section of SMEs that are crucial for the earning capacity of the Netherlands. 

"The fact that our network in the Northern Netherlands has also grown very strongly shows how valuable the collaboration is between Hanze and companies and organisations in the region. That makes us proud," says Annemarie Hannink of the Executive Board. "At the same time, resources are lagging behind. The government calls universities of applied sciences the engine of our regional ecosystems. Consequently, the government should also put its money where its mouth is and invest further in applied research at universities of applied sciences." 

Additional government investment in applied research would give universities of applied sciences the space to increase their contribution and to allow companies and public organisations to innovate and renew even more strongly. 

Real-life issues from the professional field 

Applied research at universities of applied sciences connects the professional field with education. Students, researchers and professionals work together at Hanze on innovative solutions for real real-life issues. Students are given the opportunity to develop their talents and gain valuable experience at companies and organisations. And these organisations and companies themselves are learning along with us in our innovation hubs, from the moment they start working on their issue with Hanze students and researchers.