Overview
- National, regional and industry leaders signed a declaration of intent at the Purple NECtar event in Nijkerk to formalize structural cooperation for East Netherlands.
- Signatories included Defence state secretary Gijs Tuinman, Economic Affairs representative Edwin Ouwejan, Gelderland deputy Helga Witjes, Overijssel deputy Erwin Hoogland, Oost NL director Wendy de Jong, and executives from Defenture and Demcon.
- Oost NL immediately launched oostnl.nl/defensie to guide entrepreneurs to events, contacts, FAQs and opportunities tied to Defence tenders and partnerships.
- Tuinman said earlier agreements with Limburg, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Brabant, combined with this step, bring the initiative close to nationwide coverage.
- The effort emphasizes dual‑use innovation and business support rather than specific procurements or funding commitments, with Defence highlighting ongoing investment in innovation.