Boundless Biobased Education

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In the Koepelvisie Delta Region 2030, bio-based economy has been selected as one of the three top clusters and as a driving force for innovation and specialisation in the Dutch-Flemish Delta Region. With the presence of a large agronomic and chemical sector, a favourable geographical position and collaboration between companies, knowledge and educational institutions and governments, this border region can assume a unique pioneering role. Opportunities for economic growth, job retention and expansion are under pressure, though, due to a shortage of technically qualified people. Both the competencies of the current workforce in the industry and educational programmes for tomorrow's professionals are still insufficient. Grenzeloos Biobased Onderwijs (Borderless Bio-based Education) wants education to be geared more closely to future developments and specific demands from the business community. To stimulate innovation in the bio-based economy, collaboration between sectors and educational disciplines is therefore essential. The Strategische Projectorganisatie Kempen (Kempen Strategic Project Organisation) (SPK), for example, will be analysing the necessary skills and competencies for the kind of current and future employees companies are looking for. This will help adjust and fill in the gaps in certain learning modules. Avans University of Applied Sciences is creating a knowledge network and digital platform for educational institutions, students and companies. In addition, there will be a pool of lecturers for bio-based courses, with actual lecturer exchanges. ROC West-Brabant will be responsible for the inventory of all training and practice facilities in the border region. A plan of action will then be compiled that is aimed at improving existing facilities for algae growing, insects and sugar and bio refining. A shared facility structure is being set up in which both students and professionals can make use of each other's facilities.

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