University of Groningen and UMCG driving the North-Netherlands economy

The University of Groningen and the UMCG are cornerstones of the economy in the north of the Netherlands. They both enjoy a strong international reputation and are highly respected for their excellent teaching and research output. The University of Groningen and the UMCG are cornerstones of the economy in the north of the Netherlands. They both enjoy a strong international reputation and are highly respected for their excellent teaching and research output.

The importance of the joint presence of the University of Groningen and UMCG in the north of the Netherlands is highlighted in a report commissioned by the University and written by Biggar Economics, an independent consultancy specializing in interpreting the economic impact of knowledge and research institutes.

University of Groningen and UMCG important economic motors

The University of Groningen and the UMCG are directly responsible for more than 12,500 full-time jobs and generate an annual turnover of €1.4 billion. However, the economic impact of the University and the UMCG in the north of the Netherlands is far greater than this. Biggar concludes that the University of Groningen and the UMCG jointly provide more than 24,000 jobs in Groningen, almost 30,000 in the Northern provinces and more than 60,000 in the Netherlands as a whole. In financial terms, this means that the University and the UMCG contribute €2.6 billion to the North-Netherlands economy and €5.4 billion to the Dutch economy every year.

Jan de Jeu, Vice President of the Board of the University of Groningen: ‘The Biggar report shows the true extent of the benefits felt by the north of the Netherlands from investing in academic education and research. Investment is having a huge economic impact on the entire region.’

Countless opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs

Collaboration with companies and entrepreneurs in various areas is also benefiting the northern and national economies. ‘It goes without saying that the University of Groningen and the UMCG are valuable assets to the economy and society in the north of the Netherlands’, says Yvonne van Mastrigt, member of the Provincial Executive responsible for economic affairs. ‘The figures in the Biggar report confirm this. The presence of these two institutes is generating countless opportunities for small companies and new entrepreneurs. This, in turn, benefits the University and the UMCG. I am particularly excited by the initiatives undertaken by these institutes to encourage entrepreneurship. They are already producing fantastic results in our province and the north of the Netherlands.’

Folkert Kuipers, member of the Board of Directors of the UMCG: ‘The economy in the north of the Netherlands is particularly active in the fields of healthcare and life sciences. Our focus on healthy ageing is proving to be a good seedbed for smaller companies wanting to start up or base themselves here in the region. As it turns out, our focus seems to be giving us a healthy and active economic life too!’

More information

• Gernant Deekens , University of Groningen spokesperson
• Report
• Fact sheet