Secretary General EZK gets to meet the space cluster

Last month, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Lidewijde Ongering, paid a working visit to Leiden Bio Science Park and, as an extra excursion to space, we were given the opportunity as a cluster and as NL Space Campus to emphasise the importance of strengthening the space innovation ecosystem and (investing in) space as an enabling technology for innovations in other sectors. 

After a welcome by Rob Postma, CEO Airbus NL, Harm van de Wetering (director NSO) spoke about the opportunities and perspective for Dutch space. Frank Meiboom of Airbus spoke about strategic autonomy and the importance of independent access to space, and Sytze Kampen about Lasersat communication. 

After a short tour through the Ariane 6 and Vega production area, there was room to mention the importance of talent and strengthening the innovation ecosystem and mutual cooperation as NL Space Campus. Together with Peter Batenburg, Esther Peters spoke briefly about the NL Space Campus development including the cooperation with the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus universities alliance (LDE) and the Space for Science and Society programme. 

As part of the delegation present at the working visit Henri Lenferink, mayor of Leiden, Annetje Ottow, chair of the Executive Board University of Leiden, Jasper Knoester, dean Faculty Wiskunde en Natuurkunde University of Leiden, Tanja Masson, Asst. Professor and Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden university and Huub Röttgering, Director Leiden observatory joined this space part of the visit. 

The Netherlands has outstanding and impressive knowledge in the field of space. Both technically, in the field of astronomy, legally and commercially. As NL Space Campus, we are keen to contribute to the strengthening of this impressive space ecosystem, and there is no other way to do this than together. And that is what happens! 

Without access to space, we cannot reap the benefits of the added value of space for the climate, safe communication and innovative business. To do this, we need a good ecosystem and chain-wide cooperation from students, start-ups, knowledge institutions, industry and, of course, the government. 

May 30 the minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Micky Adriaansens will visit AirbusDS and NL Space Campus (including ESA ESTEC) to get to know the ecosystem and its potential from close up. More news on this in our next newsletter.