UG signs cooperation agreement for IT Hub

The University of Groningen, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Alfa College (united in the University of the North), TVM Insurance, Fokker, Unigarant, the Municipality of Hoogeveen and the Province of Drenthe have officially committed to the development of an IT Hub in Hoogeveen. On Wednesday 10 February, the managing directors and representatives of the parties involved signed the cooperation agreement online. President of the Board of the University Jouke de Vries signed the document on behalf of the UG. A project leader is currently discussing the details of the venture with the parties, including the specific location.

The IT Hub in Hoogeveen will improve employment in Drenthe and contribute to the interplay between institutes of vocational, university of applied sciences and university education. The knowledge institutes are united in the University of the North, a partnership that promotes various themes including digitization. The Hub is designed to attract and inspire IT talent, and link potential employees with companies in Drenthe. Events and new modes of teaching will be organized to enable a hybrid learning and innovation environment. The specific common ground with the UG is still being explored.

Why an IT Hub?

We can no longer imagine a world without digitization. It forms the basis of almost every branch of industry. Digital literacy is becoming increasingly important and digital professionals are in high demand. To prepare for the future, the Province of Drenthe must invest in the digital transition. This is one of the reasons for developing the IT Hub. It will be the perfect place for the business sector to forge ties with students, talent, knowledge and research.

The specific themes for the Hub, which include data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, sensoring (the Internet of Things), blockchain technology and cyber security, were put forward by the business sector. In 2019, the announcement of an IT Hub was reason enough for TVM to keep its head office in Hoogeveen.