1. 1 WORKSHOP M3 How to support high tech regions or ‘hot spots?” The Triple Helix in Practice: in the South-East Brabant region Patries Boekholt patries.boekholt@technopolis-group.com

2. 2 Triple Helix in South-East Brabant Business sector Science and Technology Government & agencies

3. 3 Strengths of S-E Brabant Triple Helix Key player: Philips with several important spin-outs (e.g. ASML) Strong informal and formal networks Strong science base (TUE top EU university) Close interaction university (TUE) and active high tech businesses Active local government, Regional Development and Innovation Agencies Dedicated Mayor(s) ‘Wake up call’ in the early 1990s

4. 4 Weaknesses of S-E Brabant Triple Helix Relatively narrow focus on electronics and ICT Dependency on large players SMEs too much focused on regional market, not innovative enough S&T base lacks critical mass and opportunities for multi-disciplinary convergence Limited facilitation of high-tech starters by universities and polytechnics Governance: no coordination between national policy and regional/local policy Tendency to complacency

5. 5 Responses to these challenges National government: –Peaks in the Delta: acknowledgement that regional eco-systems are engines of growth –Letter of Intent NL-VL and NL-NRWF –Support of regional start-up initiatives Business sector: –Open Innovation concept implemented through Eindhoven High Tech Campus –Involving regions in long term strategies (Pôle de Competitivité, Joint Technology Initiatives) Regional government: –Innovation Action Plans, response to Peaks in the Delta (Programme South-East) Local government and Agencies –ELAT: Eindhoven-Aachen-Leuven axis –Horizon programme (international mobility, various knowledge clusters,...) University: –More serious efforts to support techno-starters (Incubator +)

6. 6 Crossing Borders

7. 7 Workshop discussion points Is it still possible today to develop a new hot-spot with a ‘unique selling point’? Does focus on ‘hot-spots’ distract from supporting industries with larger impact weight in regional economy? Are expectations of wealth creation through university spin-offs overrated? What ‘good practice’ experiences and examples of policy instruments do participants have? Any of examples of failed attempts?