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06-11-2015
Final Report Create the Future (192850830)
GROUP 6
NIELS RUITER
STEVEN OONK
MARK DE VRIES
ROLF VAN DER TOOM
Dr. ir. W. Eggink dr. A.A. de la Bruheze
1
CONTENTS
The Future of the Twente Airport Area ................................................................................................... 3
Actors ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Factors .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Uncertainty / Importance Matrix ........................................................................................................... 12
Strategic Space ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Scenario 1: Knowledge Wars ................................................................................................................. 15
Scenario 2: Fragmentation of Europe ................................................................................................... 19
Scenario 3: Work as Fulfillment ............................................................................................................. 22
Chosen Scenario ................................................................................................................................... 25
Goals Of The Area ................................................................................................................................. 25
Role of the actors (incl. main actor) in the future ................................................................................... 26
What Makes TAA Unique? .................................................................................................................... 26
Why would companies settle in the Twente Area? ................................................................................ 27
Brainstorm ............................................................................................................................................ 28
The Plan – How does it work? ............................................................................................................... 30
Twente Airport Area Layout .............................................................................................................. 31
The TAA Center ................................................................................................................................ 34
Technical elaboration ........................................................................................................................ 35
Growth in levels .................................................................................................................................... 38
Facilities and role of the airstrip ............................................................................................................ 38
Final Area Overview .............................................................................................................................. 39
Competition Between The Enterprises ................................................................................................. 40
Ecosystems and Facilities in the area .................................................................................................... 42
Mobility ................................................................................................................................................ 43
Start-up Examples ................................................................................................................................ 45
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 46
References ............................................................................................................................................ 46
Annex ................................................................................................................................................... 48
A1: Demography ............................................................................................................................... 48
A2: Economy ..................................................................................................................................... 49
2
A3: Education .................................................................................................................................... 50
A4: Employment ............................................................................................................................... 51
A5: Growth High Tech Sector ............................................................................................................ 52
A6: Importance of Nature ................................................................................................................. 52
A7: Innovative companies ................................................................................................................. 52
A8: Start-ups ..................................................................................................................................... 53
A9: Transport .................................................................................................................................... 54
A10: Scenario (From student to Start-up)…………………………………………………………………………….. 54
3
CREATE THE FUTURE THE FUTURE OF THE TWENTE AIRPORT AREA
Nowadays the Twente Airport Area (TAA) is an abandoned terrain with little facilities, businesses and it
looks somehow neglected. Nevertheless it has got a rich history and it offers many opportunities. We
are therefore commissioned to design a completion on the basis of 5 different steps. The principal for
this assignment is the Province of Overijssel and more specifically the Department of Spatial
Developments. Three important goals of the principal are:
1) Keeping the highly educated students in the area
2) Improving the high-tech sector employment
3) Improve the connectivity between start-ups and bigger firms
The main question that belongs to these goals is:
What opportunities does the Twente Airport Area provide for sustainable quality employment?
For answers to this question, the assignment is divided in different steps; starting with selecting actors
and factors, determining uncertainties and process these into an Uncertainty/ Importance matrix. When
this matrix is completed, subjected will be clustered and will be placed in a strategic place. Finally the
scenario plots will be made to complete the scenario report.
ACTORS
To create a clear view of the TAA the factors and actors involved with the TAA must be mapped. The
actors involved in the assignment of the principal are stated below in the visualization. On the next
page all the actors will be further elaborated
Figure 1: Actors map
4
PROVINCE OF OVERIJSSEL
The Twente Airport Area (TAA) is located in the south-eastern part of the province of Overijssel.
Therefore it is in Overijssels interest to make the TAA an interesting location. A committee has been set
up to investigate the possibilities for a new use of the TAA, especially to create more employment.
Spatial Development Department
The spatial development department, is a department within the province of Overijssel. This
department is engaged in the countryside, the urban environment and just the entire setting of
Overijssel. Making the province livable for every inhabitant. The countryside of Overijssel has many
farms, estates, streams and small lakes creating Overijssels very own identity. So it’s a challenge to
preserve this identity and still creating opportunities. The urban environment has to offer a living space
for everyone in Overijssel. The province closely works with different network cities to investigate its
future and to make concrete investments. These urban areas are: network city Twente, network city
Zwolle-Kampen and the triangle of Deventer-Apeldoorn-Zuthpen. The Spatial Planning Act allows the
province to even look after its interests in the spatial development of the municipality. Therefore it is
normal for the municipality to consult the province for its land use plans.
In the area of R&D and innovation the province Overijssel has its focus on: high tech systems and
materials, health and life sciences, chemistry, plastics and new energy. The top sectors of Overijssel
are: agro & food, construction and tourism.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The European Union has five different investment funds to help the economic, social and territorial
collaboration within the EU. These funds are being managed by the European Commission together
with the national en regional authorities. The Netherlands is divided in four parts, one of those is East
Netherlands. East Netherlands consists of the province of Overijssel and Gelderland. East Netherlands
is getting money from the European funds, spending it for two thirds on the strengthening of research,
technological development and innovation. Another thirty percent is spent on the research for
innovation and use of low-carbon technologies. East Netherlands is working together with Germany in
those fields. Because the TAA is located near the border between the Netherlands and Germany it can
be an important place to co-operate between countries and firms.
NATIONAL BOARD
The Dutch government is occupied with lots of subjects and has a national policy. The provinces are
links between the government and the municipalities. The link between the Dutch government and the
TAA is that the TAA is currently possessed by the government. Right now the TAA is not a real
profitable area, so it is in the interest of the Dutch Government to make it profitable. The Dutch
government has a few fields of interest such as education, science, R&D and innovation to be fulfilled
by a new destination for the TAA
MILITARY
The TAA was used as a military airbase by the German occupant in the Second World War. One year
after the end of the Second World War the military airbase Twente was founded. To train Dutch pilots
the Fighting Flight School was founded. In 1986 the F-16 age started for airbase Twente. This remained
until 2004 when one of two flight squadrons was canceled.
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In 2007 the area was officially transferred to the ministry of Finance. Now the TAA is being used as a
training and educating ground for police, firefighters, medicals personnel and the military to experience
disaster scenarios.
MOBILITY
The TAA is not that easy to reach, therefore looking at actors to increase the reachability is vital. The
Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment and local public transport companies are these actors. This
is vital because the TAA is quite a secluded area right now.
Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment
This ministry is responsible for main infrastructures in the Netherlands, including the design,
construction management and maintenance. Some of the future goals of this ministry are reliable
journey times and better accessibility. By 2020 motorists travelling in rush hours must be able to arrive
on time in 95 percent of the cases. The Dutch economy heavily relies on transport and logistics so the
main economic centers must remain accessible. If the TAA becomes one of these economic centers it
has to become better accessible. The TAA is located near the highway (A1) but there is no real exit that
gets you quickly to the TAA. The entrance way to the TAA is a small road with just enough width for
two small cars to pass each other.
Public transport
Reaching the TAA by public transport is quite a challenge as well. There is no bus stop in the direct
vicinity of the entrance of the airport. The nearest bus stop is located in the town Lonneker, it takes up
to 22 minutes to walk from this bus stop to the entrance of TAA. Some of the roads along this route
have no sidewalks for pedestrians. The public transport company in Twente is Syntus. Syntus provides
the public transport in Gelderland, the central part of Overijssel and Twente.
EDUCATION
Risk Factory
The Risk Factory currently has a hangar on the TAA. The Risk Factory is a part of the Twente Safety
Campus. The Risk Factory is a learning center for kids from grades seven and eight to learn about
safety. From the inside the hangar looks like a normal small village where all kinds of fire hazards can be
spot and prevented. It also shows examples of fire hazards gone wrong so the kids learn what to do in
emergency situations.
University of Twente & Saxion
The TAA is conveniently situated along the path from the Randstad to Germany. The University of
Twente and Saxion are located near the TAA. The TAA can be an important place for these schools for
project testing on a small scale. The runway can be used for things such as drone testing. The University
of Twente and Saxion have formed the partnership Twente Safety & Security which has an important
function in the development of innovative safety solutions for the public and private sector and the TAA
is an important place to test these solutions. Some of the projects:
-Solar Team Twente, reveal and testing of their new solar car named: The Red One.
-Health Monitor Research in the Twente Airport Area
-Members in Technology Base Twente Project
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-Project with Apollo Vredestein, Reef Infra, University of Twente en the province Gelderland to
investigate more silent and safer traffic, with the help of better roads and tires.
Most of the graduates coming from the University of Twente are leaving Twente to move to the
western part of the Netherlands. It could be a possible outcome for the TAA to keep these graduates in
Twente to give a boost to the economy of Twente and Overijssel.
The University of Osnabrück and University of Münster
These universities are located just over the border in Germany. The TAA could be a place where these
universities can work together with the University of Twente and Saxion.
CITY COUNCILS
The TAA is located in a triangle of Enschede, Hengelo and Oldenzaal. So it makes sense that the local
municipalities of these cities have some involvement in future plan of TAA. The unemployment rate in
Twente is growing but the high tech sector is growing. So for these cities it can be important to use the
TAA to create new employment so the unemployment rate will decline. The percentage of highly
educated people in Twente will only grow in the coming years, but most of these highly educated
people tend to go to the big cities in the western part of the Netherlands. For Enschede, Hengelo and
Oldenzaal it is crucial to keep these highly educated people here to create employment.
JAN VAN ECK
Some parts of the TAA are already sold, the Dutch entrepreneur Jan van Eck has bought some hangars
on TAA and especially one very large hangar named Hangar 11 with ground surface of 10.000 square
meters. Entrepreneur Jan van Eck wants to organize all types of events in these hangars. For the future
of TAA it is important to make sure Jan van Eck is involved in the plans. This can lead to plans in line
with either the ideas of the province of Overijssel or the ideas of Jan van Eck.
HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The TAA has its fair share of history, from its use in the Second World War to the later use for the F-16
fighter jets. Jan Schukkink from the municipality of Enschede pleas for a monument status for the
German built structures on TAA. So the national heritage wants to preserve the historical buildings for
further generations.
LANDSCHAP OVERIJSSEL
Landschap Overijssel sees lots of opportunities in day recreation, small holidays, horse riding,
care/wellness, etc. to stimulate the economic development in the area. Developments with more job
offerings and a high quality landscape. Even small scale businesses have opportunities, provided that
they will fit to the natural environment. The current plan focuses too much on the settling of companies
in the Airport Area. Aren’t there enough already? Landschap Overijssel plead for a course where the
new function of the area does not affect the quality of the environment, but enrich it. The current
quality needs to be nurtured and the influence of the new developments needs to be assessed on the
effects to human, plants and animals.
BIG FIRMS
To make sure that there will not be a financial problem in the TAA it is needed for big firms to invest or
to settle there. These big firms will probably be in the high-tech sector. The investments are mostly
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used to make it easy for start-ups to settle there. If these big firms themselves are settling in the TAA it
will attract smaller companies, creating new collaborations. These big firms will also provide new
employment which is needed in Twente.
FACTORS
To make a good forecast for the future, actors and factors have to be analyzed. In this case, because the
employment of the area is very important, the following factors have been taken into account:
Demography
Economy
Education
Employment
High-tech sector
Importance of nature
Innovative companies
Start-ups
Transport
The development of all these factors contributes to the opportunities that the TAA can provide for
sustainable quality employment and highly educated students in the area of Twente in the future. All
these factors have been researched about the way they will develop the next 25 years. Respectively, a
description of the factor, the predicted progress of the factor, the uncertainties and relation with other
factors and the references of the data are given below of every factor. As stated the developments of
the factors will bring uncertainties with them, which also will be used for building the scenarios.
DEMOGRAPHY
Forecast Demography is the research that can be done of quantitative aspects of the population. In this case, the total population of the Netherlands and Twente, the population of rural and urban areas in the Netherlands and Twente and the population of Enschede sorted by age have been analyzed. The last few years a growth of the population in Overijssel has been perceived. This growth will
continue until 2030. After that it will slowly decline. In Twente the same observation has been done but
will peak in 2025. At the same time a trend of urbanization is visible in all of the Netherlands including
Twente. Cities as Borne and Oldenzaal will grow with 5 to 10%, and Hengelo and Enschede with 1% the
next 15 years. On the other hand, the population with an age of 0 to 24 years old is the biggest in
Enschede, but quickly declines after that. This can be explained by the big number of students that
moves out of Enschede after graduating at their university of college.
References
The data is based on the Databank Twente[1], Kennispunt Twente[2], Twente Index[3], OECD[4], Saxion[5],
Tubantia[6] and the CBS[7].
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ECONOMY
Forecast
The economy can be defined as the management of financial resources, the market and the industry of
a country. To measure economic growth multiple ratings can be used. In this case the GDP (Gross
Domestic Product).
Compared to 2009, the beginning of the economic crisis in the Netherlands, a growth of the GDP is
visible. At the beginning of 2015, the GDP of the Netherlands was at the same level as before the crisis.
Experts expect that the growth will continue for the next few years. More uncertain is the long term
development. Factors and actors as the EU, weak economies inside of the EU, global crisis’s,
employment rate and inflation can influence the economy the next decades.
Related actors
EU, National Board, Big Firms, City Councils
References
The main source of the data that has been used is from the CPB[8] (central planning office)
EDUCATION
Forecast
For the education, the number of highly educated people in the Netherlands and Twente has been
analyzed.
Looking at the last 19 years, the amount of people following a higher education in the Netherlands is
increasing. Since 1996 10% more HBO and 5% more WO students have graduated. Especially the last
10 years the growth is stable. If this continues, in 2040 there will be two till three times more highly
educated people in the Netherlands compared to 2012.
A factor which has great influence on this trend is the population growth of the Netherlands. The more
people there are, the greater the number (not the ratio) of highly educated people that is possible. A
big related actor is the government and the governmental policy: the amount they invest in education.
Related actors
EU, National Board, City Councils
References
This data is based on the CBS[9] and Onderwijs in Cijfers[10] cooperation between the CBS, DUO and
OCW).
EMPLOYMENT
Forecast
Related to the economy is the employment. In Twente the unemployment rate is one of the biggest in
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the country. To construct a clear image, the employment rate in Twente and the employment rate in
the High-tech sector have been observed.
A systematically policy in Twente resulted in improvements of the employment rate. Partly, the
university and HBO’s invested into the High Tech sector in Twente. This caused better results compared
to the rest of the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the unemployment in the area remains high. This is also
the case for the next 25 years. Innovative technologies take over the workforce which is done by people
these days. In Overijssel, the amount of work will increase for higher educated people because of the
investments in R&D. But for lower educated people the amount of work will decrease. These
developments are based on technological developments, innovation and the influence of robotics.
Related actors
EU, National Board, Big Firms, City Councils, Education
References
References for this information is from NISTEP[11] (National Institute of Science Technology Policy
Japan), Research Gate[12], OECD[13], Working Group of Social Trends[14] and The Millennium Project[15]
GROWTH HIGH TECH SECTOR
Forecast
As stated before, Twente invested in High-tech industry and development of new techniques and
companies. In this factor there has been looked at the way the High Tech sector is growing. Not only in
Twente, but also in the rest of the world.
The High Tech sector is developing quickly. Most of it is visible in the innovation and production. The
techniques are likely to replace rather than create jobs. Important in the high tech sector are robotics,
AI, 3D-printing, drones and nanotechnology. Also the health industry will be revolutionized by the
developments in this sector. The energy sector might be saturated due to the developments of solar
energy which produces energy for practically nothing.
Related actors
EU, National Board, Big Firms, Education
References
NISTEP[11] (National Institute of Science Technology Policy Japan), Research Gate[12], OECD[13], Working
Group of Social Trends[14] and The Millennium Project[15]
IMPORTANCE OF NATURE
Forecast
In a crowed country like the Netherlands, nature is always under pressure. Cities want to expand
themselves, roads have to be made and industrial areas are developed. For most of these projects,
nature is in their way. For the last decennia, the Dutch citizen has the opinion that nature is important.
Research shows that the average opinion of the Dutch citizen concerning nature versus the economy
has been in favor of nature. But in the last results show that in the last few years the opinion has
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changed. Compared to 2006, 10% more people in 2013 thought that nature shouldn’t stand in the way
of economic growth. A possible reason could be the economic crisis.
Related actors are the governments and environmental organizations. By making policy they can
influence the opinion of the people. Also factors as climate change and technical innovations relate on
the subject.
Related actors
EU, National Board, City Councils, Heritage Preservation, Landschap Overijssel
References
Reference: WUR[16] (Wageningen University and Research centre)
INNOVATIVE COMPANIES
Forecast
To keep up with the competition a lot of companies innovate. They need to invest in new technologies
and development.
In the Netherlands almost 50% of the companies are doing innovative work in one way or another.
Compared to a lot of other countries this is an average amount. When the economic crisis of 2009
struck, the innovation in the Netherlands rose. This can be explained due to a tactic companies had. It
helped them attract foreign companies to further invest in the Netherlands.
The innovative character of companies depends on several other factors and actors. Like the economy,
investors, the governments subsidies and the technological advancements of the area and country.
Related actors
EU, National Board, City Councils, Big Firms
References
References are from the CBS[17], nu.nl[18] and Eurostat[19].
START-UPS
Forecast
Yearly, in the Netherlands a lot of companies are established. The government keeps track of this
number of starting enterprises but also includes freelancers, small and average sized companies (MKB),
headquarters and brand offices of big companies and start-ups. In this big mass of companies, start-ups
characterize themselves as a young company with a small number of employees (often higher
educated) which work on innovative technologies.
Currently, there are at least 700 start-up companies which contribute to 1,5% of the growth of the
employment rate in the Netherlands. In Twente more than half of the start-ups stay inside of the area
(59% of the Saxion start-ups and 54% of the UT start-ups). The question is if start-ups will continue
making jobs. In Eindhoven and Enschede the extra employment has stopped growing due to start-ups.
An explanation can be found in the fact that start-up companies leave the area when being successful.
11
Related actors
EU, National Board, City Councils, Big Firms, Education
References
The data has been found at Workingprogress[20], KVK[21] and Twente Index[22].
Transport
Forecast
How will people transport themselves in 25 years? The last few years there has been a growth in car
ownership in the Netherlands. The economy has a big influence on the grow rate. The growing group of
elderly has more travel time and travels more often with individual transport. The individualization also
has a big influence, the more households, and the more cars.
Next to this development the use of trains is steadily growing since 2004, while the use of
busses/trams/metro is more stabile. The growth of the train use will continue in the future. The reason
is re-urbanization, there is a difference in growth between the cities and country sides. The growing car
use has a big influence on public transport, especially in the country side. The current public transport
does not fit in the busy and intensified lifestyle.
Related actors
Mobility, City Councils, National Board
References
References: CBS[23 & 24] and Leukeleu[25]
UNCERTAINTIES AND FACTORS
Some factors can’t be predicted with a great amount of certainty, because they are related to uncertain
factors. Some of these factors have been treated, others haven’t. All the treated factors and the
untreated uncertain factors will be integrated into the next step, the U/I matrix. A list of all the
uncertainties which came up during this step:
Leisure time (activities and amount of time) (related to the importance of nature)
Individualization (related to education and transport)
Global trade (related to the economy)
Inflation rate (related to the economy)
Intensification of lifestyle (related to transport)
Ageing (related to demography)
Income (related to economy and employment)
Technological Development (related to education, innovative companies, importance of
nature, amount of start-ups, transport and employment)
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UNCERTAINTY / IMPORTANCE MATRIX
The uncertainties from these factors have been placed in an uncertainty/importance matrix (fig. 2). This
matrix is divided into four parts: waste, There Is No Alternative (TINA), secondary issues and scenario
issues. The items placed into the secondary issues area are the items which are going to be used in the
following strategic place and the scenarios. For example the use of public transport is quite uncertain as
well as important. Its uncertainty derives from the fact that the car use is increasing in rural areas and
what does that mean for the public transport sector. Is it going to grow or does it stay the same? That is
the uncertainty. Economy is quite important for the development of the TAA, if the economy is
declining fast the TAA will not be the first point of issue for the province and the Netherlands. The
education is important for the entire region but looking at data from the number of students it is not
that uncertain in comparison to the economy how many highly educated people there will be. How the
educational system will look like is more uncertain. Will new technologies make for a completely
different type of learning? Ageing is an issue that can’t be stopped so there is no alternative.
Figure 2: Uncertainty importance matrix
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STRATEGIC SPACE
It can be seen, that the different factors and uncertainties in the U/I-matrix received a color. Factor with
matching colors have a relation, they influence each other positively, negatively or are completely
opposite of each other. The factors in the top right side have the biggest influence in creating our
scenarios. There is a clustering of orange and green factors in the top right corner.
The orange factors in the top right corner consists of; income, economy, investments in R&D and also
employment in the high-sector could be part of this group. All these factors have a large influence on
each other. Economy has a large influence on the height of the investments and employment rate.
When the economical growth is low, there is almost no possibility to invest in R&D. When there is a
high economic growth the employment rate will also grow. Al these factors are dominated by two
agencies; the market and the state. They form the horizontal axis of the strategic space (fig. 3)
The green factors are the technological developments and changes in the educational system. The
immense growth in highly educated and urge to innovate in new technological sectors are two of the
biggest trends that were found in the analysis. The way we educate has a big influence on how our
society will function. This means education will be on our vertical axis, and on this axis the base of
education is placed, namely the students. They are divided in highly and low educated students. The
uncertainty of this factor is high, and this forms a good basis to generate a variety of scenarios.
Figure 3: Strategic Space
14
15
SCENARIO 1: KNOWLEDGE WARS
POLICY
The number of startup companies has increased enormously (fig. 4) and has caused more and more
employment. The government is enforcing this phenomenon by starting funds for startups. By creating
an environment by and for businesses, a part of the profits of the companies can be refund to the state.
In this way businesses allow the state to fund new companies and this will guarantee some degree of
equality in society.
Another beneficial aspect is that the state can decide
whether particular startups are worth the fund or not. So
the state can decide in what direction the society should
move by subsidizing right companies. For the region
Twente for example, the government could decide to fund
explicitly in Nano-technology. This can be done because
there already is a strong basis in the area and connections
with neighbor country Germany could be strengthened.
Because of this new way of funding and starting
companies, the gap between different levels of society will
decrease. Financial equality and social balance will be
maintained and this causes a stable economy. Because the
state is receiving many refunds of thriving startups and
other well-established companies, it has a lot of money
available. This money isn’t only used to fund startups, it’s
also meant for basic health insurances and basic income
for the less rich ones. (fig. 5)
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Growth Start-Ups
UT Start-ups
Saxxion Start-ups
Totaal
Figure 5: Investment Money Flow
Figure 4: Growth in Start-Ups Twente
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Another important development is the growing influence of the EU. Main goal of the European Union is
to compete with the great world forces like the US, Brazil, South-Africa, China etc. To accomplish this
goal, globalization in the high-tech sector is needed. This bundled knowledge makes Europe a strong
union.
EDUCATION
Since 1996 the number of high-educated graduates is increasing. This trend has continued and the
government is responding to these developments by funding startup companies as mentioned before.
This gives them the opportunity to enforce the high-tech economy and compete with the rest of the
world. The increasing number of students has another consequence as well: the number of startup
companies will increase. However, it won’t be possible for the state to fund all these startups. This is
why the state has to decide whether particular companies will receive their funds or not. This way of
dealing with startups will have another development as a result. Most startups depend on these funds
and will have to come with a convincing and contributing plan to improve the society. Competition
between start-ups therefore is great and this will trigger the full perseverance of them. The graph
below shows the increasing number of students (of Twente compared to the rest of the Netherlands).
This competition between students will be triggered even more by the fact that the number of universities will decrease. Instead of the current situation with many universities, some ‘mega-universities’ will take over. They have just one goal: to make use of the enormous talent pool and to further improve the quality of research & development. Universities have rigorous, global selection processes to ensure they get the best candidates. Students from all over the country want to study in a particular region to teach in their field of profession. Available education is extensive and varied. Courses in the sciences, technology, ICT, marketing, advertising, languages, economics and law offer better opportunities in the labor market.
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Hoger Onderwijs Nederland
Wetenschappelijk OnderwijsNederland
Aantal Studenten Saxxion/UT
Figure 6: Growth of Highly Educated Students
17
There is a fierce competition between these universities to reach the top, a so called ‘knowledge war.’ We have entered a new phase: the competition has become fiercer now that the number of players has increased, and the stakes are higher than ever.
The lower educated people will also do their part in the growing competitive knowledge-based economy. They are needed to get the ideas and theories of the startups into motion. Practical knowledge and labor is needed for these kinds of employment.
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES
This new approach on the economy and education also affects the society. Because of the increasing
competition, work motivation will be needed to acquire some kind of status. This status is needed to
contribute to the high-tech field. Furthermore there is the great number of startup companies. To
receive their fund from the state, startups have to distinguish them from other companies. This urge to
individualization and distinction will cause many divisions in the high-tech sector.
Another important change with the society of today, is that the state will be the leading instance. They regulate the money-flows and will ensure that the gap between the rich and the poor won’t be too large. The concept of money won’t be leading any longer, status and recognition in your profession will become more important.
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SCENARIO 2: FRAGMENTATION OF EUROPE
POLICY
The European Union is still a whole, however it’s affected by an economic crisis in the last years. The
European Union and the Netherlands do not know what to do anymore. The trust and believe in one
central Europe is gone. Therefore the European Union as well as the Netherlands are fragmented.
Companies and inhabitants in regions whole over Europe are taking matters into their own hands, co-
operating to stabilize the economy in their region. Innovation knowledge, research & development and
science are important for the economic growth in the region.
Not every region has been equally successful in pulling itself out of the mud. Some parts of Europe have
become depopulated, while others have blossomed and became centers of activity. Each region has its
very own networking city. Geographical circumstances and locations have helped to determine the
development potential
Because of the fragmentation of Europe and in parts of the Netherlands, there is a huge diversity in the
number of start-ups and firms per region. This is why there is a big variation in the economic
development per region depending on its specialization. The specialization is also strongly dependent
on the technological development per region (fig. 7). The Advanced Material Sector as well as the
Nanotechnology is important for specialization in the Twente area. Other regions will specialize in
other subjects for example: healthcare, food-safety, security, privacy and resources.
Figure 7: Region Specialization
20
Certain sectors are competing with other sectors within the same specialization, this has become more
intense due to the fragmentation. Certain regions are really competing for the development of the best
and newest technologies, this leads to high quality employment. Because of the many different
specializations and many start-ups there is a lot of employment created in the high-tech sector. One
disadvantage is that the guarantee of getting a job is getting lower due to the high quality standards.
Another disadvantage is that not everyone can join the leading companies in a sector.
EDUCATION
The educational system has really been turned upside down. The universities are no longer known as
we saw them in 2015. The students can choose certain sectors, not just technical sectors. There are also
social and economic sectors are sectors which they can choose from. The different regions each have
their very own training center in their specialization. This is where they do all the research in their area.
The student is already somewhat working for the company specialized in a certain field.
The business community would like to invest in this area. The university’s research program is strongly
linked with the region’s economic chances and possibilities. They form conglomerations with the
business community in knowledge producing and knowledge dissemination units. A good cooperation
between schools and businesses is crucial. The students are helping with thinking along and trying to
innovate in the sectors for the companies they work for. The student will have a combination of intense
practical experience and theoretical knowledge which will form the base for start-ups to be able to
innovate.
The students will go to high-school before they choose their sector. This choice will be based on a
competence report which will be prepared by the high-schools. The qualities of the students will be
featured to be able to choose a suitable sector. Companies are also able to scout promising students
and take them to their region to keep the level of innovation high in the region.
Being able to work together as regions with the same specialization is important to compete with the
competition outside Europe. The small regions make it simpler for the sectors to work together, a lot of
borders have disappeared. The technological innovations and disappearing borders have a result that
makes cooperating between Twente and Amsterdam just as easy as cooperating between Twente and
Berlin. These cooperation’s are important to compete with the leading countries such as Japan, South-
Korea and Brazil. This competing attitude will have an effect that will really boost the competing
position of Europe in comparison to other parts of the world.
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES
The population is really into the do-it-yourself attitude, the success is dominated by creativity,
entrepreneurship and independence. Each inhabitant is really helping the region. Because of the
regional development a lot of individualization is possible. Individual interests are to be found in
different regions making them settle in the Network cities. The inhabitants are much more specialized
in their own discipline.
21
22
SCENARIO 3: WORK AS FULFILLMENT
POLICY
The high drive for innovation in the past decades made it possible new technologies were developed,
the so called world changing technologies. They provided an immense raise in wealth in the past years.
An example is Artificial Intelligence (AI), a sector that continues to deliver a growth in wealth. The costs
of living were also decreased by cheaper manufacturing methods.
The government is barely involved in the market and has little influence on innovation and growth of
the economy. The growth of the past years has reached its peak, and in the future there will be few
impulses in the economy. The market dominates with the companies and the society, which learned to
use the global brain to become super-professionals, mindful, craving for harmony instead of hate, and
create our own (professional and citizens') circles of social security instead of depending on government
Due to the arrival of automation by using AI and robotics (fig. 8) in the manufacturing process, the
definition of employment has changed. The high rate of unemployment (fig. 9), has turned the other
way around, despite the increasing automation. The
definition of employment has changed in the sense
that there are two markets; the labour market for
the highly educated and the leisure market for the
non-/lower educated. Only the highly educated still
have a traditional job. They are able to specialize in
the technological sector that grew the past decades,
and can develop themselves in these areas. The
lower educated don’t have their traditional jobs with
a 40hr working week. It’s a world in which
Technologies Replacing Jobs Causative Strength
Robotics 7.51
Integration and synergies among these making technologies not known today 6.92
Artificial Intelligence 6.81
Artificial General Intelligence 6.47
Retraining unable to keep up with accelerating technological changes 6.43
3D/4D Printing 6.14
Other Factors 5.54
Drones 5.35
Nanotechnology 5.19
Synthetic Biology 4.66
Figure 8: Average Rating of Technologies Likely to Replace Rather than Create More Jobs by 2050
Figure 9: Average Rate of Unemployment by 2050
23
everyone makes themselves useful in one or another way. The unemployed” will have a base income
and social security provided by the working industry.
EDUCATION
The lower educated have little urge to learn. They have social security and they contribute to society in
another way, so they also have satisfaction in their tasks. It’s also impossible to fight against
automation, it’s inevitable. Automation reduces production costs in such matter; it’s not beneficial to
use people. Meanwhile the highly educated continue to develop themselves in their specialization
areas. After years of growth, the increase in highly educated students has stagnated. (fig. 10)The
educational system did not change a lot. Though the students have more freedom to choose an area of
their interest, and determine the timeframe in which they want to study. They can also determine
which learning environment they prefer themselves: knowledge is offered in learning groups, libraries,
at the workplace (hospital, town hall, knowledge institution). The only big difference is the online
learning communities, which makes it possible to teach the necessary knowledge online, and have an
international communication system between students. Past decades have proved that intensive
collaboration between different countries and organizations is paying off and makes it possible to
belong to the world top. By their extensive training, students are: creative, flexible and enterprising.
0
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Hoger Onderwijs Nederland
Wetenschappelijk OnderwijsNederland
Aantal Studenten Saxxion/UT
Figure 10: Stagnating number of students by 2040
24
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES
By changing the definition of employment, lots of leisure time will be created for the lower educated.
There is a growth in new jobs in leisure, recreation, and health care industries. This time will be spent on
activities that valuably contribute to the society. Examples are increase in participatory democracies,
protecting the environment, promoting research and creativity, and awareness of the social
responsibility of all to all. There are fewer jobs available for the lower educated, but they have a
growing work ethic and motivation to contribute to society. Some sort of self-employment that is
stimulated by organizing grass roots for example. Basic income and social security bring social stability,
satisfaction doesn’t include income, but a contribution to the community. By creating social security,
the creativity of the target group is enlarged to tackle local problems. A visualization of the scenario can
be found below (fig. 11).
Figure 11: Scenario 3 Visualization
25
CHOSEN SCENARIO
The different scenarios created are: Fragmentation of Europe, Work as Fulfillment and the Knowledge
Wars. The Fragmentation of Europe assumes that the society is dominated by the market and there are
a lot of highly educated people. Work as Fulfillment assumes that the society is also market dominated
but this time there are a lot of lower educated people. Knowledge Wars is the scenario where there are
a lot of highly educated people and the society is mainly state dominated. The scenario ‘Knowledge
Wars’ is the scenario that will be used to create a future plan for the TAA. The idea that someone gets
selected for a start-up or company based on their knowledge sounds very interesting. This scenario also
allows for start-ups to get started quite easily because of the funds supplied by the government. This
scenario also better suits the actor which is the province of Overijssel. This scenario allows the province
of Overijssel to really make a difference within the province. All of the actions will be directed via
Europe and the province of Overijssel has the executive power.
GOALS OF THE AREA
To make the TAA a successful area some goals are set to achieve this. The area has to be specialized in
the Nano-/Advanced Material Sector. This is in line with the research done by the University of Twente
and the Mesa+ institute. The area has to become an area that attracts people. It has to attract highly
educated students for the talent pools in the high tech sector. It has to be attractive for people to settle
their start-up at the TAA creating employment. The TAA also has to attract big firms to support the
start-ups and even collaborating with the start-ups. This attraction has to improve the high-tech
employment in Twente, keeping the highly educated students in the Twente area rather than moving
to the western part of the Netherlands.
Openness is important for the start-ups to communicate with other start-ups and big firms. Each start-
up has to have its own show floor to show their research and to see what other start-ups are doing.
Even students and other people visiting the area can see what they are doing. This openness leads to a
higher level of communication eventually leading to better research and growing start-ups. It is
important for these start-ups to conduct their research or even test different aspects of their research.
That is why there has to be some kind of testing facilities to do so.
Some kind of convention center is needed to attract the big firms that are not located in the TAA. This
convention center shall be used for the start-ups to present their ideas alongside other start-ups. The
big firms are invited to attend these conventions to look for new ideas and research. These big firms are
then able to support and collaborate with the start-ups. The airstrip can play a vital role in the
attendance of these big firms. The big firms can be flown in from all over the world making it easier to
attend these conventions. The centre building will not be a convention centre in its daily use. These
conventions are not being held every day. The most of the time the centre building has to be a
knowledge center where all of the employees of start-ups can gather and exchange their knowledge.
When all of these goals are fulfilled the main goal can be achieved. This main goal is that the TAA can
compete on world level in the field of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials. Competing with other
countries for more research and development investments. Eventually leading to being a world leader
in this field and placing the Netherlands and Europe on the world map.
26
ROLE OF THE ACTORS (INCL. MAIN ACTOR) IN THE FUTURE
In 2040 the world looks different then these days. The National Government has largely disappeared
and the European Union has taken over most of her tasks. The local governments, the provinces, are
the main executive power. Concerning the TAA, the military has lost his power on this area. The area is
a booming business park which is easy accessible. Mobility is mainly controlled by the province of
Overijssel (busses and monorails) and the European Union (highways and railways). The TAA is a
booming business center specially designed for nanotechnology and advanced materials start-ups. It
gets her starting companies and students from a big talent pool created by the mega universities in the
Netherlands, for example, the University of Eastern Netherlands.
As described later in the report, the province of Overijssel and the European Union are working
together inside of the TAA. The TAA is a business park in which nanotechnology and advanced
materials start-ups can settle and grow. The province of Overijssel will be a driving force in the TAA
concerning the growth of the start-ups. The European Union is headed above the province of Overijssel.
Overijssel has to ensure that the decisions made by the EU are implemented in her own area. The
province will play a role as a local actor in a global player.
WHAT MAKES TAA UNIQUE?
One thing that makes the TAA so unique is that it’s a widespread area. About 480 hectares of space is
available. Another unique feature of the TAA is its long runway.
The length of the runway is quite unique for such a small airport, the length of the runway allows for
relatively big airplanes to land and take off. If the safety zones on either end of the runway are
reinforced even larger planes can land and take off from the TAA. The area consists of more than just
the runway. The remaining space is still large enough for things such as entrepreneurship, living and
recreation.
The TAA is located between the tree big cities of Enschede, Hengelo and Oldenzaal. Contributing to the
five million people living within a radius of 70 kilometers from the TAA. Since Enschede is located near
the TAA the University of Twente is also located near the TAA. This means that there are some highly
educated people nearby. Sadly the most of these highly educated people are moving to the western
part of the Netherlands after graduation.
The Twente Area has lots of unique and protected natural areas. With a great diversity of flora and
fauna. The TAA is located between four nature areas: the Lonnekermeer, Hof Espelo, ‘t Holthuis and
the Lonnekerberg. The Lonnekermeer and Hof Espelo areas are characterized by their estates and wide
open fields. The areas of Lonnekerberg and ‘t Holthuis are more rural areas with creeks, fields and
woods created by nature in many years.
27
The area also has a high historic value. The airport played an important role during the Second World
War as ´Fliegerhorst´ for the Luftwaffe. It is also possible to find more remains of the Second World War
in the surrounding area. Even after Second World War the Airbase Twente does not lack history.
Several old F-16 shelter, hangers and other remains of the former use can be found. It is possible to
provide a new meaning for these historical elements, to enhance the interesting and rich history of the
area.
WHY WOULD COMPANIES SETTLE IN THE TWENTE AREA?
Why is the Twente Airport Area such an interesting area to build a Nanotechnology Center? There are
many other possibilities to establish an international research center anywhere in the country. What
makes Twente unique compared to the rest of the Netherlands? There is one field where Twente excels
compared to the Netherlands and even the world. The University of Twente is specialized in
Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials. This is due to research done by the University of Twente and
institutes such as Mesa+. Students from this region have lots of knowledge and innovative ideas, they
are able to create new start-ups. However the majority of graduated students are leaving Twente to go
to the western part of the Netherlands. For these start-ups to succeed they have to be located in a place
where collaboration and openness are stimulated. If these start-ups need equipment for their research
these required resources (machines for example) should be easily accessed. The TAA, in the center of
Twente, offers a large space for this Nanotechnology Center. The natural environment offers a unique
possibility to support high quality sustainable employment. Besides, the area offers a unique chance to
combine the Nanotechnology research with nature. This is one of the main inspirations for the design.
Connectivity also is an important aspect. The area is located between the cities Enschede, Hengelo and
Oldenzaal so it could be an area that connects the three cities to make it a unity comparable to the
‘Randstad’ in the western part of the Netherlands. The highway north of the area makes the area more
accessible for visitors coming from every part of the Netherlands and even Germany. The unique
runway may feature a possibility to increase connectivity and it can even be used to be internationally
accessible.
Figure 12: Natural Areas36
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BRAINSTORM
In the scenario Knowledge Wars a quite realistic scenario of the world in 2040 has been sketched. But
there’s a missing factor to make the design more attractive. A brainstorm session/research on three
different factors: mobility, architecture and nanotechnology applications (fig. 13), brought the solution
to make the ideas for the area (and the project) more interesting.
NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
Investigation has been done to different applications that could be interesting for the TAA design.
These applications can be found in the image above. From the investigation it can be concluded that
there may be a future for living/growing materials with the help of Nano manufacturing in a very far
future (not in 25 years). There will be existing materials with added properties such as self healing
materials, different coatings (solar cells, heat reflective, CO2 absorbing coating, etc) and extremely light
and strong materials that will be used in construction. There may also be a future for flexible (elastic)
and strong building materials to create a new way of designing buildings.
It is possible to use nanotechnology in such a way that it improves the efficiency of windmills by
generating electricity from heat dissipation. This can also be used on solar cells, that even the heat
caused by reflection is harvested and converted to some form of energy. The nanotechnology can also
greatly reduce the costs of solar cells and make them highly efficient. Maybe these solar cells can even
be installed as a coating on windows or other materials to make a building even more energy efficient.
Figure 13: Brainstorm Interesting Future Development
29
Nanophotonic material is a material which can be used as a coating. The use of this nanophotonic
material is that it radiates heat back into space as infrared radiation, cooling buildings without having to
use electricity to run air conditions units.
The mobility can benefit from Nanotechnology. For instance it can make the production of fuels from
raw materials much more efficient. Therefore improving the efficiency of fuel cells and reducing their
costs. Nanotechnology may even help capturing carbon dioxide with a type of coating. For example the
exhaust of a car is coated with that material it will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions quite a bit.
Nanotechnology can also be used to build houses with lighter materials. Employing materials made
from carbon nanotubes reducing the weight. Another application is aerogel, a material that has a very
low density but has very good mechanical properties. This means that the thickness of for example the
wall of a house can be reduced to one third the original thickness.
Using nanotechnology in fabrics is another use. For instance it can be used to make water and stain
resistant fabrics. Some fabrics filled with nanoparticles can even conduct electricity or it could change
its color. This can then be used for a whole new type of high-resolution displays.
MOBILITY
Transport in- and outside the Twente Airport Area is very important. How do people transport
themselves to the TAA and how do they transport themselves inside the area? A choice has been made
to make the whole area car free. The reason is the strong bond between the TAA and the natural
environment. The location must be reachable by car of course, but inside the area there are no cars.
There is only a possibility for personal vehicles such as segways, hover boards, etc. A new way of
travelling in the TAA is necessary to cover the large distances.
ARCHITECTURE
It’s interesting to look at the way buildings grow to go with the development of the start-ups. Thereby
the buildings must accommodate/improve connectivity and positive competition between the start-ups
and bigger firms. The area has a strong bond with nature that must return in the building and
infrastructure of the area. Positive competition and connection must be clear in the way office
spaces/buildings are designed.
30
THE PLAN – HOW DOES IT WORK?
In the sketch above (fig. 14), the initial idea is explained broadly. It started with some key elements like
openness, connectedness, naturally and organically shaped. There’s been tried to create one whole
between architecture and nature. This nature is coming back in the design in multiple ways. First of all,
the design has this simple and open exterior, due to the transparency the green environment will be
visible all through the building (fig. 15). When placed in the area, all the buildings together will look like
a naturally - from the ground emerged - business center (like a petri dish). Due to the dynamic
umbrella-shaped roof, the buildings can change appearance. If the amount of work and success grows,
the building will follow this trend as well. Lastly, this simplistic design offers a lot of opportunities (and
challenges) regarding the implementation of nanotechnology and advanced materials.
Figure 14: Sketch of the plan
Figure 15: The architecture in a natural environment
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TWENTE AIRPORT AREA LAYOUT
The Twente Airport Area is a nursery for start-ups specialized in Nanotechnology and Advanced
Materials. The area can be compared with a petri dish where bacteria are grown. The center is the place
where the bacteria samples are placed and grow out, fantastic structures and large colonies are the
result (fig. 16). Colonies can cooperate to grow even harder and compete for growth space in different
areas. This so called multi-colonial community, bacterial social intelligence is usually used for
cooperation between colonies of different species. For example, each colony develops its own expertise
in performing specific tasks for the benefit of the entire community, and they all coordinate the work
done. This is the whole idea of the Twente Airport Area. In the center the small start-ups emerge, as
their “food” supply increases they start to grow up to bigger firms. The idea of nursery on a petri dish
served as inspiration for the TAA layout. The area will therefore, from now on, be called NIAT:
Figure 16: The petri-dish infrastructure
-The Nano Incubation Area Twente-
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TWENTE AIRPORT AREAS
The existing Twente Airport Area can be divided in three subareas; the airport, business and leisure.
The three areas will be treated below:
AIRPORT
The airport consist of the 3km long air strip with the existing/rebuild control tower (fig. 17). To store
airplanes from business visitors and leisure flight clubs, a few hangars are needed. The hangars will be
built in the area near the airstrip. So travelling distance will be short and the airport is compact. The
airstrip splits the area in half. Therefore a connection between the two parts is necessary.
- Runway
- Few hangars
- Control Tower
BUSINESS
The business center is the area that will be designed. It consists out of a large center with the company
buildings around it. The bunkers are spread around the area and will be used as work spaces. The
technology and machines will be available for t he companies in the area. Connectivity to the working
space is really important for the small start ups.
- NIAT Center
- Company Buildings
- Work Space in F16-shelters (fig. 18)
Figure 17: The control tower (left) and the runway (right)
Figure 18: The F16-shelter (left) and a hangar (right)
33
LEISURE
Due to the preservation of nature the NIAT environment is a very smart, but green area. The natural
environment of the NIAT displays the green image of the area; thereby it offers lots of opportunities for
leisure activities such as walking or cycling.
There also needs to be a place for hotels and restaurants to offer their services to foreign visitors. There
are some “historic” buildings such as hangars in the area that could be rebuilt to facilitate hotels or
restaurants for visiting guests. (Historic Value)
- Restaurants (in central building or rebuild hangars) (fig. 19)
- Hotel (other building)
- Nature Area (all over the area) (fig. 19)
Figure 19: The natural environment (left) and the inside of a hangar (right)
34
THE NIAT CENTER
The main building of the former Twente Airport Area is placed in the center of it. This center forms a
real iconic image for the area with its huge size and the organic shapes. The center isn’t only an iconic
building, it also adds value to the environment. The center fulfills many functionalities, these will be
stated below.
First of all the building includes a great conference center which is available for the many offices and
startups located in the area. People from all over the world are able to easily reach this location.
Monorails make it possible for the nearby environment to get to the center. For businessmen and
researchers from other countries, the area is accessible by (private) plane.
Furthermore the building provides a restaurant and many public facilities like toilets, showers, dress
rooms etc. These are available for the employees of the area. Besides the center-building is the center
of the mobility in the area as well. The monorail divides in three different directions towards the main
cities in the region. Lastly, the building also has its own terrace on the roof. The terrace can be used as a
lounge-spot and from here, it is possible to oversee the whole area.
DESIGN
The design of the center-building (fig. 20) arose from the idea that it unites three directions. It forms
the ultimate center of the whole area and it aggregates the three main cities: Oldenzaal, Hengelo and
Enschede in one strong heart. The three branches of the building are therefore coming together in the
core. The coming-together of the branches forms a symbol for the pooling of expertise. In this way a
metaphor for the powerful knowledge center is created. Despite the fact that the building exists of
these different branches, it forms one powerful whole, just like the area. Furthermore the building has
an ‘open’ exterior. This is not only because the core exists of glass, but also because the hull has an open
structure. This open- branched exoskeleton stands symbol for the three cities and is the fundament of
the whole, that keeps the building together. Lastly the building exists of organic shapes so it doesn’t
look out of place.
Figure 20: The design of the center-building
35
TECHNICAL ELABORATION
The architecture of the office buildings is quite interesting (fig. 21). As said the buildings are able to
grow with the success of the start-ups. This demands new materials created with the nanotechnology
research. These extremely strong, light and flexible materials are definitely interesting to implement in
the building design. By building the offices with nanomaterials the area actually uses products that
come from the area. This makes it a really interesting area where nanotechnology can be found
everywhere. All the different components will be treated in the chapters below.
ROOF:
The roof of the building is constructed out of a lightweight metal that has been coated with a Nano
Solar Cell Coating. The roof consists out of different filaments to make the roof change shape (fig. 22).
The shape of the roof changes by adding floors for office space. This “mutation” is comparable with the
unfolding of a flower. By unfolding the roof a bigger area will be lit. This means more energy can be
generated. The folding roofs also are a bit like a forest where trees fight for the most sunlight. These
buildings will be placed in a certain area where they compete with each other for space.
Figure 21: The design of the office building
Figure 22: The design of the office building
36
OUTER LAYER:
To be able to grow with the folding roof, the outer layer of the building has to be flexible. The outer
layer is therefore made out of extremely elastic material to reshape with the folding roof. The material
is transparent to create openness in the area. “Competing” companies and visitors must be triggered by
other companies’ ideas and improvements. The transparent outer layer therefore forms a secretion for
the showcase area/floor. Companies can present their work in this area by projecting information on
the outer skin, build stands or small test facilities (fig. 23). The building is accessible via the outer layer;
the doors are made from transparent electro stimulated polymer that changes shape when a voltage is
applied.
INNER LAYER:
The inner layer separates the showcase and work floor (fig. 23). The inner layer is also transparent to
create a nice view from the work floor. The inner layer is made out of a special type of glass named
smart glass. The light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light or heat is applied. A form
of privacy is possible by changing the transparency of the glass. Projections such as logos and small
advertisements are also possible on the inner layer.
Figure 24: Building design from the inside
37
OFFICE SPACE:
The office spaces are free to furnish for the different companies. More office space will be added if a
company grows. This makes a division in different dep artments also possible. As said, the office spaces
can be separated from the outer world by transparent glass. The office spaces can be placed next to
each other (fig. 25) to improve collaboration and communication between different companies. The
Province of Overijssel has a role in dividing and clustering the offices in the area.
Figure 25: Clustered buildings
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GROWTH IN LEVELS
The area will be divided in three levels: start-ups, small firms and big firms (fig. 26).The graduated
students start at level 1 and are able to grow their building to a small two story building. This may take
several years (2-3) for small start-ups. Due to the growth it is possible to employ more people and divide
your company in different departments. There is a limit on the space and number of employed people
for every company in the first level. If they reach this limit and are judged they can continue to level2.
The level 2 building office space provides more space and has a larger showcase area. In level 2 it is also
possible to add a third floor. The procedure is exactly the same as on level 1, despite the scale. Level 2
adds significantly more space for the showroom and building office space. It may take several years (7-
9) for companies to grow out of level 2.
The bigger firms are located in the third level. Their buildings consist of the three story level 2 buildings
combined with smaller, multiple, level 1 buildings. If the big firms are expanding, a new building will be
added. These smaller buildings can act as departments or working stations.
FACILITIES AND ROLE OF THE AIRSTRIP
The airstrip was what the TAA actually was all about. Without the airstrip the Twente Airport Area
wouldn’t ever have existed. The runaway is, at the same time, very iconic and a valuable piece of
heritage for the region. That’s why the decision have been made to not erase this important subject.
Besides this airstrip shows that the region is connected to the rest of the world. The airport is also of
symbolic value: ‘we are not afraid to shoot for the world and see what’s out there and to compete with
them’.
And besides the symbolic and iconic value, the landing strip also can keep its original function and still
be an addition for the area in 2040. Because the NIAT is now a knowledge center with different
specializations and the conference center, businessmen and visitors are willing to visit the area. They
are willing to see what makes the area so special and different from the rest of the world. The airstrip
can still be used sensible in this way.
Figure 26: Growing in the levels
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FINAL AREA OVERVIEW
In figure 27 the final area overview can
be seen. The area is divided in the three
different levels and is separated by the
runway. The NIAT Center is build in the
middle of the area. The smaller level 1
buildings surround the NIAT Center in a
closed packed formation. There is an
estimated place for 15-20 level 1
buildings. Mesa+ delivered 50 start-ups
in 15 years. That’s about three start-ups
per year. If they stay in level one for 3-4
years, there are ca. 15 places needed
with an additional back- up space for
more start-ups. The level 2 buildings
can be found in the second layer. There
are also several buildings on the other
side of the runway (close to the
workspaces).
The Twente Airport Area already has
existing F16-shelter that offers different
possibilities. In this case the shelters will
serve as work space with the necessary
research and manufacturing
equipment. The companies in the area
are free to use these facilities. The level
1 companies will make use of the
workspaces at the long strip on the
right side of the area.
Figure 27: The Area Overview
40
COMPETITION BETWEEN THE ENTERPRISES
ESTABLISHED COMPANIES
The goals of the NIAT in the future is providing a work and developing place for nanotechnology and
advanced materials bases start-up companies. Most of these companies will be established out of a
talent pool which the big universities in the Netherlands provide, like the University of Eastern
Netherlands. The companies will be working in the same branch and will be occupied with the same
technologies. This can cause competition as well as good opportunities to cooperate. These effects
challenge enterprises to become better.
INTERNAL COMPETITION
The competition can be divided into two kinds; internal and external. Internal competition happens
inside the NIAT and challenges enterprises to become better. External competition can be describes as
the position the NIAT has in the world of nanotechnology development.
The internal competition is stimulated by the buildings in which the companies are settled. The area
consists out of three levels which represent different stadiums of the development of a company. Level
one is the stage where companies are when they just started. Level three is the highest level in which
fully grown enterprises are located. The quicker a company develops itself, the quicker it grows to
higher levels.
Inside a level, a company has his own building in the shape of a mushroom. In the trunk, offices are
located. Around the trunk room is available for presentation of the work of the company. They can use
this room to present their development. With a jury-based system the work and presentation gets
judged and the building can grow if the company gets good ratings. Because space inside a level is
limited, there is a race between the established companies. This encourages companies to develop
themselves as quick as possible. The more space you have as a company, the more attention you can
attract to yourself.
As stated, the room around the trunk of the building can be used as a presentation room. Companies
can see the other companies presenting their newest findings and successes. In this way a competition
can occur in which companies want to become bigger than the other companies. Especially since these
companies are working in the same field of work. Another possibility is that companies tend to
compete in such a way that others lose and get bankrupt. This can be seen as a negative effect which
needs to be avoided, although, it is part of the ‘natural’ environment in which they exist; ‘survival of the
fittest’.
INTERNAL COOPERATION
All of the companies located at the NIAT are nanotechnology or advanced material based. They work in
the same work field. Besides the competition it cause, cooperation between the companies can occur.
The NIAT gives a lot of inside into the companies, what they are working on and how well they are
performing. Walking through this environment inspires employees. The approachable presentation
41
rooms are accessible to talk with employees from other enterprises. They can inspire each other and set
up different projects in which they cooperate.
If a company is planning on working together with another company from the start of a certain level,
they can be placed next to each other. As neighbors an indoor walkway can be created between the
buildings. Thus, the cooperation becomes visible and even more approachable for these companies.
Another big cooperation opportunity comes from the conference hall located in the center of the NIAT.
The hall offers a place for big companies outside of the NIAT to organize their conferences and retreats.
For the start-ups this is a good opportunity to show their work, since the employees of the big firms can
see their presentation rooms and walk through it. This can lead to collaborative projects between the
start-ups and the bigger companies.
JURY SYSTEM
Inside the NIAT a jury-based system is created which decides how well companies are performing. The
jury decides if a company is doing good enough to grow inside of the level or even move to the next
level. Initially, they won’t decrease to a lower level. But when they are really perform badly and the
need for room inside of that level is big, it is possible for companies to move down one level.
The jury consists out of experts from big European nanotechnology enterprises, like MESA+, the
University of Eastern Netherlands, and a representative of the province of Overijssel. The province has
a large control in the jury, since it is guided by the European Union, which has the main overview
concerning the global competition. In this manner, the European Union can have influence in the
development of the nanotechnology which happens on their ground. Indirectly they are able to let
companies grow if they see a big role for them on global scale.
EXTERNAL COMPETITION
Globally, the NIAT plays a big role inside nanotechnology development. It is THE European location for
nanotechnology enterprises, especially starting enterprises. Because the place is special developed for
nanotechnology and advanced materials start-ups, with laboratories, accessible presentation rooms, a
conference center in which big parties can visit, and a lot of opportunities to work together with other
companies, the NIAT is a attractive location for nanotechnology and advanced materials based start-
ups.
The way the system is built, the European Union can have a good influence in the nanotechnology
technologies which are developed. They can have a good overview in the worlds market and help the
enterprises develop themselves quicker. The NIAT gives enterprises a save and promising environment
to grow.
42
ECOSYSTEM IN THE AREA
ECOSYSTEM
The design of the mushroom-shaped offices in combination with the area’s center are forming one
open whole. During the design development, the environment’s nature and historical properties have
been kept in mind. The buildings shouldn’t block or breach the environment, instead of that, there must
become a co-operation between nature and architecture. That’s why there’s been chosen to keep the
term of ‘openness’ central (figure 28). Due to openness in the building’s design, transparency is
guaranteed. This initial idea of openness and transparency has been derived from exhibition floors.
These are places where companies show what they are doing, they show their development and in this
way, they can motivate and inspire their environment. Furthermore, the openness in combination with
a common center might create a feeling of togetherness. This might increase the urge to cooperate and
at the same time to compete with big world-wide firms. There’s already been mentioned that nature is
very valuable to the area and needs to be preserved. That’s also why the buildings should guarantee a
peaceful concurrency with the area. This has been tried to achieve to reject conventional ways of
energy production and to stimulate the nature-friendly energy resources. One way of achieving this, is
by the flexible solar panels on the roofs of the offices. Because of their flexibility in size, the solar
panel’s area is also variable. The bigger your firm gets, the larger the roof surface will become. In this
way, the energy-production is always in proportion with the size of the firm.
Figure 28: The design of the center building
43
MOBILITY
Because the area is so widespread and at the moment quite remote, the infrastructure has been
redesigned to make the area more accessible. Travelling at the Twente Airport Area is only possible by
car at the moment. There are barely any walking and cycling paths in the area. There are several
interesting infrastructure possibilities due to the three big cities and the surrounding highways that will
be elaborated below. The NIAT is a natural area where the environment is important. Therefore the
choice has been made to make the area car free in the future.
In figure 29 above, the complete layout of the Nano Incubation Area Twente can be seen. It’s not
worked out in detail, but it must give a brief idea of the NIAT infrastructure.
ARRIVAL:
The use of public transport has increased and special railways from the three surrounding cities have
been constructed. Their end destination is the edge of the NIAT. Another arrival possibility is by car.
The visitors park their cars at the edge of the NIAT and use public transport to reach their destination
inside the area.
INSIDE NIAT:
The Nano Incubation Area Twente is car free. This means visitors transport themselves with public
transport such as the monorail, by foot, bike or segways/hover boards.
Figure 29: Mobility Layout
44
MONORAIL (FIG. 30):
Due to the car free zone, a new way of transportation in the area has been designed. A monorail lets the
visitors travel long distances within the area.
1. A monorail has been constructed on the outer ring of the NIAT. The railway is connected to the three
train stations.
2. A network that emerges from the NIAT center to the three train stations. On each level the monorail
splits in both directions to make a connection to the different spots. The branch design is inspired by
the petri dish bacterial growth.
OTHER TRANSPORT POSSIBILITIES (FIG. 31):
There are of course many other ways of transportation in the area. Walking and the use of
segways/hover boards are especially suitable for the shorter distances. Cycle highways are constructed
from every city to the NIAT Inside the area there are only 2 paths, one for walking and the other for
bicycles, segways and other small personal transportation units.
Figure 30: Mobility Layout
Figure 30: The monorail at the TAA center
Figure 31: Other transport possibilities
45
START-UP EXAMPLES
CURRENT EXISTING START-UPS
For the design of the NIAT, the focus is aimed at nanotechnology and advanced materials start-ups. At
the moment, MESA+ has led to 50 start-ups since the foundation of the institute in 199926. Continuing
this development in a linear way, MESA+ is good for 128 start-up enterprises in 2040. This is an average
of 3 per year.
A lot of the start-ups develop themselves very well. They mainly focus on nanotechnology and
advanced materials based products. Examples are: Eurekite, Ostendum, Solmates, Mylife
Technologies, Medspray and Nanomi.
Injectable products for medical benefit 27 Simple and efficacious aerosols & sprays28
Patch for drug delivery though the skin 29 Next generation thin films30
Ceramic, light and flexible material31 Lab-on-a-chip portable biosensor32
One of these start-ups is Ostendum. In cooperation with the University of Twente, health insurance
Achmea, High Tech Factory, NIKOS and Kennispark they develop with lab-on-a-chip technology highly
sensitive portable biosensors for the detection of bacteria, viruses, yeasts and biomarkers. Ostendum
started out of a PhD research project at the University of Twente in 200833, with the help of UT
International Ventures. In last years they have had a lot of interest of hospitals, laboratories and
multinationals. In 2011 they won the Young Technology Award34 and in 2013 the Technology Innovation
Leadership Award from Frost & Sullivan35.
Ostendum develops a system which analyses human fluids, such as blood, urine, saliva and milk, and
makes a diagnosis about a certain disease within minutes. With current techniques this would take days
or weeks. By placing some fluid into the machine, the antibody-analyte binding process is followed in
real-time by the detector. They do not only detect the presence of the analyte but also the
concentration. They can make an accurate read-out of the concentration of antigens, bacteria, of
viruses in the fluid samples.
Start-ups like Ostendum are great examples of what kind of start-ups can be located at the NIAT. They
are located in Twente and develop themselves very well.
46
CONCLUSION
Based on the trends investigated three scenarios were composed. These scenarios are possible
outcomes for the society in the year of 2040. The scenario Knowledge Wars was the most interesting
scenario to find a future solution for the Twente Airport Area. In a state dominated society money is no
longer the goal to strive for. Self-development is the important factor, it is all about status in the way
you strive to get the best. The Nanotechnology is an important factor in the Twente area due to the
research done by the Mesa+ institute located in the University of Twente. To keep the students in
Twente an area has been developed to give opportunities to these young and innovative students with
new and refreshing ideas. It is now possible to answer the question stated in the beginning.
What opportunities does the Twente Airport Area provide for sustainable quality employment?
With the NIAT area it is possible for start-ups to get started quite easily. The NIAT also provides for a
place where the top of the line students can be selected to work. These selections can make it possible
for the students to get the most out of themselves. Due to the Nanotechnology already present in the
area, each start-up or building can be self-dependent based on the Nano solar cell coating on the roof
of these buildings. The high quality employment is reached due to the competition inside the NIAT.
Each start-up strives to be the best but not at the expense of each other. By showing their work, each
start-up can also help each other or get inspired by the work another start-up is doing.
In conclusion we can state that this plan is a viable plan for the TAA in 2040. Keeping the highly
educated students in the Twente area it is possible to compete with the ‘Randstad’ in the western part
of the Netherlands and even compete on a world level in the Nanotechnology and advanced materials.
REFERENCES
1. http://www.databanktwente.nl/demografie-bevolkingsomvang.html
2. http://www.kennispunttwente.nl/cijfers-trends/cijfers-trends-enschede/115-wmo-voorzieningen-2/228-5-bevolking-
prognose
3. http://www.twenteindex.nl/53-demografie/107-migratie-naar-levensfase
4. http://www.cbs.nl/nl-NL/menu/themas/bevolking/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2014/2014-4056-wm.htm
5. http://www.oecd.org/netherlands/36217610.pdf
6. http://www.tubantia.nl/regio/enschede/student-hoeft-niet-meer-zo-nodig-direct-na-studie-weg-uit-twente-1.5043297
7. http://www.sax.nu/nieuws/676606/enschede-populair-maar-niet-na-de-studie 8. http://www.cpb.nl/publicatie/macro-economische-verkenning-mev-2016
9. http://www.cbs.nl/nl-NL/menu/themas/onderwijs/cijfers/kerncijfers/2012-onderwijs-dashboard-grafiek18.htm
10. http://www.onderwijsincijfers.nl/kengetallen/sectoroverstijgend/nederlands-onderwijsstelsel/opleidingsniveau-van-
de-bevolking#
11. http://www.nistep.go.jp/achiev/ftx/eng/rep097e/pdf/rep097e14.pdf
12. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/257494386_The_Industry's_View_on_Automation_in_Manufacturing
13. http://www.oecd.org/netherlands/36217610.pdf
14. https://books.google.nl/books?id=-
vG8BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=delphi+study+robotics&source=bl&ots=k2EZdijBu3&sig=rVZI7F4RWg
oeo5DDIYALHk3LeLU&hl=nl&sa=X&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAGoVChMIwqDp1_LsxwIVoqZyCh1I0AJ4#v=onepage&q=del
phi%20study%20robotics&f=false
15. http://www.millennium-project.org/millennium/Future-WorkTechnology_2050.pdf
47
16. http://themasites.pbl.nl/balansvandeleefomgeving/2014/natuur/draagvlak-voor-natuur-en-natuurbeleid
17. http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=80066NED&D1=a&D2=a&HD=090525-
0841&HDR=T&STB=G1
18. http://www.nu.nl/economie/3361552/investeren-in-innovatie-oplossing-economische-crisis.html
19. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Innovation_statistics
20. http://www.workingprogress.nu/strategie-en-arbeid/49-opinie/29-zijn-startups-de-nieuwe-banenmotoren
21. http://www.kvk.nl/download/Bedrijvenoverzicht%202014_tcm109-401000.pdf
22. http://twenteindex.nl/33-spin-offs-ut-en-saxion/19-twente-start-ups
23. http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=71405ned
24. http://www.cbs.nl/nl-NL/menu/themas/verkeer-vervoer/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2015/meer-personenautos-
minder-vrachtvoertuigen.htm
25. http://empaction.leukeleu.nl/media/uploads/files/Blik_op_de_personenmobiliteit_KIM-rapport.pdf 26. http://issuu.com/utwente/docs/geschiedenis-ut, p169.
27. http://www.nanomi.com/
28. http://www.medspray.nl/
29. http://www.mylifetechnologies.nl/
30. http://www.solmates.nl/
31. http://www.eurekite.com/
32. http://www.ostendum.com/index.html
33. www.utnieuws.nl/sites/default/files/pdf/UT-Nieuws-09-05-28.pdf 34. https://www.werkenbijdeloitte.nl/blog/deloitte/ostendum-wint-young-technology-award-2011.html
35. http://www.nanonextnl.nl/frost-a-sullivan-award-for-ostendum-one-of-the-nanonextnl-partners/ 36. http://www.landschapoverijssel.nl/natuurgebieden
48
ANNEX
A1: DEMOGRAPHY
49
1. http://www.twenteindex.nl/53-demografie/107-migratie-naar-levensfase 2. http://www.databanktwente.nl/demografie-bevolkingsomvang.html 3. http://trendbureauoverijssel.nl/site/download/NXb4MSLt26xU?type=open 4. http://www.kennispunttwente.nl/cijfers-trends/cijfers-trends-enschede/115-wmo-voorzieningen-2/228-5-bevolking-prognose
A2: ECONOMY
50
1. http://www.cpb.nl/publicatie/macro-economische-verkenning-mev-2016
A3: EDUCATION
1. http://www.cbs.nl/nl-NL/menu/themas/onderwijs/cijfers/kerncijfers/2012-onderwijs-dashboard-grafiek18.htm
2. http://www.onderwijsincijfers.nl/kengetallen/sectoroverstijgend/nederlands-onderwijsstelsel/opleidingsniveau-van-de-bevolking#
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Totaal hoger opgeleiden
51
A4: EMPLOYMENT
1. http://www.nistep.go.jp/achiev/ftx/eng/rep097e/pdf/rep097e14.pdf
2. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/257494386_The_Industry's_View_on_Automation_in_Manufacturing
3. http://www.oecd.org/netherlands/36217610.pdf
4. https://books.google.nl/books?id=-
vG8BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=delphi+study+robotics&source=bl&ots=k2EZdijBu3&sig=rVZI7F4RWgoeo5DDIYALH
k3LeLU&hl=nl&sa=X&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAGoVChMIwqDp1_LsxwIVoqZyCh1I0AJ4#v=onepage&q=delphi%20study%20robotics&f=
false
5. http://www.millennium-project.org/millennium/Future-WorkTechnology_2050.pdf
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10% People working in High-Tech Sector
% People Working In High-Tech Sector Overijssel
Linear (% People working inHigh-Tech Sector)
Expon. (% People working inHigh-Tech Sector)
Log. (% People working inHigh-Tech Sector)
Linear (% People Working InHigh-Tech Sector Overijssel)
Expon. (% People Working InHigh-Tech Sector Overijssel)
52
A5: GROWTH HIGH TECH SECTOR
http://www.nistep.go.jp/achiev/ftx/eng/rep097e/pdf/rep097e14.pdf
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/257494386_The_Industry's_View_on_Automation_in_Manufacturing
http://www.oecd.org/netherlands/36217610.pdf
https://books.google.nl/books?id=-
vG8BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=delphi+study+robotics&source=bl&ots=k2EZdijBu3&sig=rVZI7F4RWgoeo5DDIYALHk3LeLU&hl
=nl&sa=X&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAGoVChMIwqDp1_LsxwIVoqZyCh1I0AJ4#v=onepage&q=delphi%20study%20robotics&f=false
A6: IMPORTANCE OF NATURE
1. http://themasites.pbl.nl/balansvandeleefomgeving/2014/natuur/draagvlak-voor-natuur-en-natuurbeleid
A7: INNOVATIVE COMPANIES
53
http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=80066NED&D1=a&D2=a&HD=090525-0841&HDR=T&STB=G1
http://www.nu.nl/economie/3361552/investeren-in-innovatie-oplossing-economische-crisis.html
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Innovation_statistics
A8: START-UPS
1. http://www.workingprogress.nu/strategie-en-arbeid/49-opinie/29-zijn-startups-de-nieuwe-banenmotoren
2. http://www.kvk.nl/download/Bedrijvenoverzicht%202014_tcm109-401000.pdf
3. http://twenteindex.nl/33-spin-offs-ut-en-saxion/19-twente-start-ups
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Percentage of innovators in research population
54
A9: TRANSPORT
1. http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/publication/?VW=T&DM=SLNL&PA=71405ned
2. http://www.cbs.nl/nl-NL/menu/themas/verkeer-vervoer/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2015/meer-personenautos-minder-
vrachtvoertuigen.htm
3. http://empaction.leukeleu.nl/media/uploads/files/Blik_op_de_personenmobiliteit_KIM-rapport.pdf
55
A10: SCENARIO (FROM STUDENT TO START-UP)
Scenario Robert Loersch
Robert has always been a hardworking and motivated student. He left high school one year earlier than
he was supposed to. After that, he proceeded studying his passion at the University of North-East
Holland. Robert was always fascinated by the fact that everything on earth existed of even smaller
‘ingredients’ as he calls it. Robert is studying nanotechnology and since the day his mother gave him his
first microscope for his 6th birthday, he can’t stay away from the science. People in his direct
environment never understood his passion and that’s why Robert thought that he just had a weird
passion.
But when Robert started studying at the University of North-East Holland, a new world opened up to
him. The MESA+ institute is an institute within the University of North-East Holland, MESA+ is the
world leading institute on the
field of nanotechnology. For
Robert this institute was the
place for him to learn even
more about nanotechnology.
He realized he wasn’t the
only one with this
predilection for
nanotechnology. Here he
met many fellow students
who were just like him. But
this didn’t only count for
nanotechnology: He was also
associated with students
from advanced technologies,
high-end materials and so on. The fact that all motivated students with their passions were all placed
under one roof actually stimulated Robert even more. A real competition between students emerged
and they all wanted to proof that they dominated their passion.
Picture of Mike (left) and Robert (right)
Thanks to this innovated concept of universities, real talent pools were created. This competition
between students wasn’t only useful for the students and the universities themselves, but also for
external companies. By means of global selection procedures the best students in the field could be
selected and picked by startups or existing companies to contribute to the society. And this is exactly
what happened to Robert. Even in the fierce competition within the university he maintained one of the
best and innovative students. That’s why the startup company ‘Big in Small’ asked Robert for an
invitation talk. Robert was quite surprised when he found out that the owner of that company was just
4 years older than he was.
56
Mike, the owner of ‘Big in Small’ just turned 26 years old and he ran this company for half a year now.
Just like Robert Mike studied at the University of North-East Holland. With the help of the MESA+
institute he was able to start his own company. The company had some breakthroughs on the subject
and had much more innovative ideas, that’s why Mike received funds from the state. The state saw
opportunities in their ideas and thinks that the society could be improved by their developments.
‘Big in Small’ is located in the Twente Airport Area, this is also the place where Robert has its invitation
talk. Robert is really amazed by this area, just by walking through the different start-ups he can easily
see what these companies are doing. Each company has its own building with room to display their
work. The start-ups are located in the middle of the area while the bigger companies are located at the
edge of the area. Robert feels that the entire area is highly developed. He easily finds the ‘Big in Small’
company because its name is projected on the building. The building was recently upgraded from a
level 1 stage 1 to a level 1 stage 2 because of some groundbreaking research done by ‘Big in Small’.
Robert is greeted by Mike and they go to the second level for the interview. Mark easily changes the
opacity of the glass of the second level so they can have a more private conversation. Mark tells Robert
that he has been following Robert for quite some time now and wants to make him a job offer. Now
that the company has expanded they need more ‘nano-experts’ for their research. Robert is the perfect
man for the job and takes the offer to come and work for Mike in ‘Big in Small’.
In a couple of years Robert became one of the leading employees in the company and the startup
slowly turned to a well-established Nano-company. The company had to find a new location to carry
out their work. They moved from the center of the Twente Airport Area to the border, next to another
great firm. Other developments included connection with external companies outside the Twente
Airport Area and even outside The Netherlands. ‘Big in Small’ started working with companies in
Germany, France and Italy. In this way, the collaboration was actually able to compete with the top of
the world on the existing topics.
Mike and Robert were no longer working for the money. Status and acknowledgement in their field of
profession became much more important. Quite a section of the profits they earned were returned to
the state. These government revenues were used to maintain the lower levels of society and guarantee
social insurance and health for the whole society. In this way a balance in society is assured and
everybody is stimulated to make their contributions.
