Leiden Bio Science Park fastest growing of the larger campuses in the Netherlands
Of the 900 new companies that have set up shop on the Netherlands’ largest campuses since 2018, 194 chose Leiden. This makes the Leiden Innovation District the fastest growing of the larger campuses. This is the conclusion a study by Buck Consultants International.
Campuses and science parks drive the national economy, accelerating innovation and helping resolve the challenges we face as a society. This makes it vital that the Netherlands continues to invest in the development of these innovative ecosystems. This is the conclusion of a study published on 4 December by Buck Consultants International (BCI).
The report provides a current overview of campuses and explores their added value. BCI was commissioned to carry out the study by the National Campus Consultation (the consultation platform of the ten largest campuses/science parks in the Netherlands) and worked in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Employment levels rising almost three times faster than in the rest of the region
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Leiden Bio Science Park (LBSP) has become the largest specialised campus and science park in the Netherlands. Thanks to its international status as a Life Sciences and Health innovation district, the LBSP is leading the way in terms of activity and impact. In percentage terms, employment levels at the LBSP are rising almost three times faster than in the rest of the region
Over 11,700 people work at 430 companies at the LBSP, and including the educational and knowledge institutions brings the total up to over 25,000 people working there. The park’s innovative strength is demonstrated in the sharp increase in start-ups (from five to 66) and spin-offs from knowledge institutions and companies (from 35 to 77).
Growth brings new challenges
Esther Peters, director of Leiden Bio Science Park, emphasises that the park’s international status as a Life Sciences & Health innovation district has been a long-term effort. ‘As with our partner TU Delft Campus’s equally vibrant start-up network, knowledge here in Leiden is successfully translated into practical applications. We work every day on the future of health. Our economic and social impact reaches far beyond the borders of our innovation district and even of our country. The whole of the Netherlands benefits from this.’
The growth of the campus does bring challenges, Peters adds, such as spatial development, grid congestion and attracting national and international talent. ‘Leiden Bio Science Park and the National Campus Consultation continue to maintain that this takes consistent policy and national investment.’