Neither Eindhoven, Leuven nor Aachen has the critical mass to become an absolute top technology region of European or world class. But when they join forces the sum will be more than the individual parts.

ELAt links up with new processes related to major changes in the production, exchange and use of knowledge which can be identified within the triple helix model (business world, knowledge institutes and government). The ELAt project will create a new overlay of trilateral linkages, networks, and organisations among the three helices, to institutionalise interface and stimulate organisational creativity and regional cohesiveness. The impact of the activities within the ELAt project does not only concern the three urban regions (Eindhoven, Leuven, Aachen) and the other cities in urban networks of North West Europe, but it will also have an impact on the surrounding areas.

Innovation (transforming knowledge into economic goods) is the driving force behind future economic development. In the economic production structure, the combination of knowledge is getting more important. Achieving this goal requires an overall strategy aimed at (among others) preparing the transition to a knowledge-based economy and society by better policies for the information society and R&D, as well as by stepping up the process of structural reform for competitiveness and innovation and by completing the internal market. The ELAt project focuses on improving the access to the information society in order to facilitate the transition to a knowledge-based economy and society.

Transnational cooperation between Eindhoven, Leuven and Aachen means a larger economic base, a larger knowledge base, a larger urban scale and a larger urban diversity. The Triangle has the potential to become a Top Technology region, also because of the presence of five (top) universities and the institutions and business activities that go with them.

Inhabitants of the area, technology industries.

Interreg IIIB Program of the European Commission

Brainport
Mr. Ton van Lier, tel. Phone: +31 40264 99 90

01/03/2004

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Research & innovation

Implementation & production