Einstein Telescope helps Limburg to top smartest region in the world
Thanks in part to the efforts for the Einstein Telescope, Limburg (NL) is one of the most innovative regions in the world. The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has selected Limburg as one of 21 regions in the world that excel in innovation, knowledge development and sustainability. This selection – the so-called Smart21 – also means nomination for the title of ‘The Intelligent Community of the Year’.
The nomination was announced by ICF chairman Louis Zacharilla during a symposium of Brightlands Limburg Region. CEO Sjoerd Sjoerdsma of the Dutch team of the Einstein Telescope also illustrated the possibilities and opportunities of the underground telescope in his keynote.
Motivation for more innovation
Provincial Executive member Stephan Satijn is delighted with the Limburg nomination. ‘This is a great recognition of what we have already achieved in recent years: through our Brightlands campuses, our commitment to the Einstein Telescope and the strength of our local businesses. This motivates us to continue on the path we have taken.’
Louis Zacharilla, chairman and founder of ICF, praises the Limburg region for the groundbreaking innovations that have emerged here through collaboration between knowledge institutes, education, Brightlands campuses, the business community and the government. ‘Limburg should be less modest in telling its innovation story. Show the world what you can achieve together here!’
Sharing knowledge worldwide
The ICF is a worldwide federation of over 200 cities and regions that help each other to use technology for inclusive and broad prosperity, with an eye for sustainability in order to enrich the quality of life.
As an ICF member, Brightlands Limburg Region hopes to learn from the knowledge and experience of other regions in the world about how they organise innovation and development. Limburg also wants to increase the chances of the Einstein Telescope coming to this Euroregion.
Decision time
The Smartest Region of the year will be chosen in October from this Smart21 selection. So far, only Brainport Eindhoven in the Netherlands has managed to earn this title. That was in 2011.
