PREMIUM Project 2026-2027: BOM

The Project:

What if two of Europe’s leading semiconductor regions could achieve more together than either could alone?

Brainport Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Aachen/North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany are home to world-class semiconductor companies, research institutions, and deep-tech innovators. Despite their geographical proximity and complementary strengths, opportunities for collaboration across the border may remain untapped.

In this project, you will investigate how these two high-tech ecosystems could work together more effectively. Where could cross-border cooperation accelerate innovation, connect businesses and researchers, strengthen supply chains, or create new opportunities for startups and talent? And what is currently holding collaboration back?

Working with the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), you will engage with stakeholders from industry, academia and government, explore successful examples of international collaboration, and identify the most promising opportunities for joint action. Your task is to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations that help regional stakeholders move beyond existing connections towards a stronger, more integrated semiconductor ecosystem.

Your findings could help shape future cross-border initiatives, from collaborative research and talent programmes to new innovation projects, funding opportunities, and partnerships in promising value chains such as medtech. By identifying where cooperation can deliver the greatest value, you will contribute to strengthening regional competitiveness, economic resilience, and Europe's technological capabilities.

This is an opportunity to work on a real strategic challenge at the intersection of technology, economics, governance, law, and regional development. You will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, explore the dynamics of international innovation ecosystems, and translate your research into recommendations that can inform real-world decisions.

Can you help turn two neighbouring high-tech regions into a stronger force for European semiconductor innovation?
 

The Client:

The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) supports economic development and innovation in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant. BOM works with companies, knowledge institutes, governments, and investors to strengthen strategic ecosystems in areas such as semiconductors, photonics, integrated systems, and deep tech. As one of Europe's leading semiconductor regions, Brainport Eindhoven hosts a dense network of technology companies, suppliers, startups, research institutes, and educational organizations. BOM actively promotes regional and international collaboration to enhance innovation capacity, economic growth, talent development, and technological sovereignty.