Zeeland is a delta region with a rich cultural heritage that plays a key role in the Netherland’s energy transition and is known as the ‘energy plug’ of the Netherlands. Despite its potential, Zeeland is becoming a left behind region in the Netherlands due to student migration, aging population, lack of engagement, limited opportunities and scores the lowest on the national innovation index of the Netherlands.
This proposal aims to reimagine Zeeland as an innovation hub by focusing on spatial planning strategies that integrate education, industry, renewable energy and cultural landscapes within a decentralized governance. The project centres on the students of Zeeland, both theoretical and vocational, as the chosen community to create a vision for Zeeland’s future, while ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the strategy process. A mixed-methods approach is used, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research to understand the regional challenges and opportunities the region.
The design advocates for the decentralization of provincial governance and the establishment of independent knowledge clusters within Zeeland. These clusters, shaped by the province’s spatial characteristics, will be more aligned with the development needs of students and the opportunities in both renewable energy and industry.
The design advocates for the decentralization of provincial governance and the establishment of independent knowledge clusters within Zeeland. These clusters, shaped by the province’s spatial characteristics, will be more aligned with the development needs of students and the opportunities in both renewable energy and industry.
If the project is successful, this approach could position Zeeland as an innovation hub in not only the national, but also European scale. Redirecting investments from nuclear energy projects to other renewable energy solutions will support industries, lower energy prices and also preserve the region’s cultural landscape. Ultimately, in the future, Zeeland will become a region that attracts and maintain talent, supports innovation and contributes to the broader energy transition.