There is plenty of entrepreneurial spirit at universities of applied sciences, but the impact on the regions could be raised extensively if more students would find a smooth route to the market. In part, this has to do with unfamiliarity with the system of scholarships, Ben Kokkeler of Avans University of Applied Sciences believes.

Anyone who wants to go to market with a promising academic invention can turn to various places for money and support. A frequently heard problem, however, is that the available services in the Netherlands are quite fragmented, and by no means known to everyone. ‘The innovation and valorization landscape would benefit from less segmentation and more cooperation.’

Compared to fifteen years ago, we’ve come a long way with valorization of Dutch scientific research. But, in the opinion of Braventure director Job Nijs, there is still plenty of room for improvement. He is optimistic about the new developments and at the same time advocates sustainable anchoring and a national agenda. ‘We need more role models, and thanks to programs like the Faculty of Impact, they are on their way.’