Research shows: Investing in higher education Heerlen good for economy and broad prosperity
The Municipality of Heerlen, Maastricht University and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences have the desire to expand and further strengthen Heerlen as an educational city, thereby contributing to increasing the broad prosperity of Heerlen and its immediate surroundings. A PWC study shows that investing pays off because more students and higher educated people have a positive effect on the broad prosperity of the region.
Heerlen Knowledge City and Innovation Engine
The report examines how the potential plans of various knowledge institutions contribute to the future of Heerlen and the region. The focus of the plans is on urban and regional changes that fit well with Heerlen's identity and potential.
Both Maastricht University and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences want to strengthen their presence in the city. This fits with their broader role in Limburg, where they help with social issues and economic growth in several cities.
Maastricht University hopes to build a solid base for research and education in Heerlen to make a sustainable contribution to the city and region. For Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, this is an opportunity to renew their existing educational and research offerings in Heerlen in order to attract more talent and bind them to the region.
Broad prosperity
Broad prosperity goes beyond economic growth. It is also about welfare, health, education, environment and safety. Heerlen has already laid a good foundation for this, think of the Cultural Spring, IBA Parkstad and the National Program Heerlen-North. Further developing a network of knowledge, innovation and education can be an important next step in this.
Investing together
The municipality has been working for years to create an educational ecosystem in the city. Education contributes not only to the economy, but also to a more pleasant and safe living environment, better health and more opportunities for residents. The report shows that the social and economic benefits of jointly investing in a network of knowledge, innovation and education are great. The researchers cite as examples the innovation in Health, solving challenges in the built environment or in the field of cyber security.
Next steps
The municipality of Heerlen, Maastricht University and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences will work together aan de slag met de . In the coming time it will be determined what steps are needed to actually realize this dynamic network of knowledge, innovation and education in Heerlen and make the most of the opportunities.
This report will be before the college meeting on March 11, 2025. After that, the report will also be public and available for download on the Maastricht University website.
Photo caption: André Postema (president of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences), Roel Wever (mayor of the municipality of Heerlen) and Rianne Letschert (president of the Maastricht University Board of Governors) signed the determination letter of the PWC report on Feb. 25.