Regional development
A research group that conducts research on regional innovation, entrepreneurship, and dynamics within regional ecosystems.
The Regional Development Research Group focuses on understanding and strengthening regional innovation and entrepreneurial dynamics, with a strong link to existing regional innovation agendas. The research group investigates how innovative entrepreneurship, the development of regional ecosystems, and the enhancement of regional competitiveness can contribute to broad prosperity in regions. We combine academic insights with practice-oriented projects to increase knowledge and impact for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders.
Our areas of expertise
Innovative Entrepreneurship & Retail
Research into how entrepreneurship and retail strategies can contribute to regional innovation and dynamism.
Regional ecosystems
Building and strengthening regional networks and ecosystems for the exchange of knowledge and innovation.
Regional competitiveness & broad prosperity
Analyzing factors that stimulate regional prosperity and competitiveness.
Questions or interested in collaboration?
Then contact us!
Hein Roelfsema
Our focus
Our focus is on strengthening regional innovation through entrepreneurship and the ecosystems that enable it. By connecting entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and governments more effectively, we create structures that accelerate scaling up and deepen collaboration. In this way, we strengthen the region’s international competitive position and broad prosperity.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Retail
We strengthen entrepreneurship in the regional retail sector, from startup to scale-up. Together with the Center for Entrepreneurship and partners in the EURES program, we support entrepreneurs and projects. We work with municipalities and (inter)national retail organizations to create vibrant downtown areas, develop new concepts, and improve the conditions for startups.
Regional ecosystems and value chains
We build and connect regional ecosystems in which stakeholders collaborate as both a network and a value chain. We bring players together, clarify roles and governance, and develop data and monitoring tools for steering. An example is Interreg E6, where we strengthen circular innovation systems focused on extending product lifespans—including in construction (value) chains—in collaboration with other research groups.
Competitiveness and Broad Prosperity
We investigate how regional competitiveness and broad prosperity reinforce each other. Together with partners, we analyze talent mobility, productivity, and the dynamics of servicification: the use of services and digitization in sectors and value chains. We link this to the concept of a vibrant region, including positive health as the foundation for sustainable economic dynamism.
- Development of the Cleantech Region Monitor: www.cleantechregio.nl/ctr-monitor
- Launch Webinar: https://vimeo.com/437190031
- Research on Regional DNA of Companies in the Cleantech Region
- Development of Creative Hubs in Twente
- The Power of the East 2.0: Roundtable Discussion
- Experience the Siege of Grolle: Technological Innovation in Cultural Tourism Experience Concepts. Teaser
- Field Lab on Energy Transition in Epe-Veluwe Vacation Parks: Initial Phase
- Voorst Knowledge and Innovation Workshop: Moving Forward in Tourism
- The Veluwe’s Past: Research into (Technologically) Innovative Experience Concepts for the Heritage Center (in progress).
- The development of an operational information and expert system to identify, classify, and add value to reused consumer electronics in promising markets within the Cleantech Region. CirkelWaarde Innovation Project – CIM Field Lab.
- Development of a data-driven Extended-Life Platform to add high value to used consumer electronics within circular business propositions in promising markets in the Cleantech Region. Doctoral research.
- RAAK-SME Project “We Are a Family Business—How Do We Communicate That?” in collaboration with Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
- Innovative retail concepts on Stationsstraat in Zutphen.
- Smart Solutions students: Daphne Beukers, Nadia Buiting, Mirjam Corsmit, Suze Donderwinkel, Carlijn Gelhever, Gijs Hogeweg. Report: see attachment.
- Reuse of washing machines in a regional circular economy (2020).
- Smart Solutions students: Elif Uslu, Youssef Slimani, Tim Campen, Anna Cramer, Tim Rondeel
- A video addresses the issues surrounding the reuse of washing machines in the Cleantech Region
- Spin-offs, geographical dispersion, and knowledge relations. J.C. Bazen (doctoral research)
- Advisory Role on Regional Development for the Cleantech Region
News from the research group
How can we collaborate?
Jointly developing tailor-made programs, such as initiatives focused on retail, entrepreneurship, and coaching in circular ecosystems.
Participation in European and national research and innovation consortia. If our expertise is relevant to your project, we’d be happy to collaborate.
Participation in projects through lectures, thematic input, data analyses, and monitoring activities that strengthen project outcomes.
We are open to additional ideas and initiatives at the intersection of research and practice.
Our researchers
Ruud Koopmans
BSO/TLC - Functional manager - Expertise: Learning and video environment , Learning Analytics
[email protected]
