Brainport Eindhoven has established itself as one of the world’s leading regions for innovation, technology, and collaboration. As a hub for cutting-edge advancements in semicon, photonics, AI, and high-tech manufacturing, the region attracts companies, talent, and investors from around the globe. However, in today’s increasingly competitive global landscape, attracting and retaining the right talent has become more vital than ever.
Values of the Region
To solidify Brainport Eindhoven’s position as a magnet for international talent and businesses, we have developed a Regional Value Proposition (RVP)—a strategic framework that highlights the region’s unique strengths, opportunities, and vision for the future.
This RVP outlines Brainport’s core values if it comes down to attracting talent, including Innovative Mindset, Collaborative Community, Build a Better You, Vision of Change, and Culture of Belonging, showcasing why this region is the ideal place to live, work, and grow.
a Better You
Culture of Belonging
Vision of Change
Build
Collaborative Community
Innovative Mindset
Innovative Mindset
At Brainport Eindhoven, innovation is at the top of the mind. The talent in the region brings an incredible set of skills that are constantly pushing boundaries. Brainport Eindhoven foments these skills and provides the right tools for cutting-edge technology, advanced solutions, and high-tech advancements to happen. Thinking outside the box is encouraged, and results make a difference, no matter how big or small.
R&D Investments: In 2020, companies in Brainport Eindhoven invested €3 billion in R&D, accounting for 7.2% of the regional GDP, significantly above national and European averages.
Global Patent Leader: Brainport Eindhoven contributed to 2% of all global patent applications, emphasizing its innovative focus.
High-Tech Specialization: The region's High-Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) sector accounts for 25% of the added economic value, reflecting its focus on technological advancements.
Deep Tech Startups: In 2022, 80% of startup investments in Brainport were directed towards deep tech, compared to 20% nationally
Economic Resilience Through Innovation: The region’s economy grew by 6.1% in 2022, outpacing the national growth rate of 4.5%, driven largely by innovation.
Keywords
• Pushing boundaries
• Cutting-edge technology
• Advanced solutions
• Future-forward mentality
Pushing Boundaries
The high-tech region of Eindhoven is a shining example for the rest of the Netherlands.
- Former CEO of Philips Frans van Houten
• Sustainability focus Culture of Belonging
Benjamin (German) feels at home in the Brainport region when he is at the TNO lab—a place where innovation thrives. Surrounded by cutting-edge technology and endless opportunities, he turned his passion for experimentation into impactful solutions. His story captures the spirit of Brainport’s Innovative Mindset, showing how talent and creativity merge to shape groundbreaking advancements. Whether you’re dreaming of building the next big thing or refining ideas, Brainport is the perfect launchpad.
Read Benjamin's full story here.
Collaborative Community
With some of the smartest minds in the world living and working in Brainport Eindhoven, collaboration is the ideal way to achieve everything they put their minds to. By combining autonomy with collaboration—bringing both individual vision and collective effort—they build a tight network in and outside of work. This unique blend of independence and teamwork allows our talents to accomplish what others deem impossible. Brainport Eindhoven is a well-connected hub, reflecting not only how we work but also how we live outside office hours.
Triple Helix Model: Brainport’s unique Triple Helix model fosters partnerships between government, academia, and businesses, serving as a benchmark for collaboration.
Diverse Workforce: Brainport hosts over 150 nationalities, creating a rich multicultural and collaborative work environment.
International Migrant Contributions: In 2023, 25,047 people moved to Brainport region from abroad, significantly contributing to the region’s workforce.
Foreign Company Establishments: Between 2018 and 2023, 65 foreign companies established themselves in the region, originating from countries like Germany, India, and Japan.
Keywords
• Collaborative environment
• Social cohesion
• Diverse teams
• Sharing knowledge and expertise
• Well-connected hub
Building Connections
Just as we have built our economy together, we must also further develop our social agenda together.
- Mayor Eindhoven - Jeroen Dijsselbloem
Lorenzo’s (Italian) story highlights how Brainport Eindhoven fosters connections—not just in work, but in life. As a project leader at VDL ETG, Lorenzo values the multicultural and collaborative environment that makes him feel at home. He describes how the flat organizational structure encourages open communication and professional growth, creating a sense of belonging. Lorenzo also emphasizes how shared activities, from cycling to social events, strengthen relationships both inside and outside work.
Read Lorenzo’s full story here.
of Belonging
Build a Better You
The talent's well-being needs to be a priority to keep innovating. That's why Brainport Eindhoven is more than a job in tech; it’s also a region with a great quality of life that encourages professional growth, supports personal growth and flexibility, and leaves room for individual ambitions to develop. Here, the talent's needs come first because if they lead a happy life, their work and results will reflect that.
Investment in Talent: The national government, province, and Brainport region will invest €2.51 billion in public facilities and talent development by 2030.
Work-Life Balance: The Netherlands ranks among the top 5 globally for work-life balance, with flexible working hours and ample vacation days.
Professional Growth: The Netherlands scores 4.03 out of 5 for professional growth opportunities, making it an attractive destination for career advancement.
International Talent Goals: The region aims to atract and retain 16,000 international workers by improving working conditions and long-term opportunities.
Happiest kids in the world: Children experience the highest levels of happiness, supported by a balanced lifestyle, strong community connections, and a focus on well-being in education and family life.
It is one of the best countries to live and work in as well. You get to utilize your time wisely. You do your smart work and you get recognized for it at work. And at the same time, the work-life balance has been outstanding.
- Business System Analyst in Brainport region - Vaishali Rocque
Keywords
• Professional development
• Personal growth
• Work-life balance
• Lifelong learning
• Quality of life
Finding Balance
Azraa’s (South African) story reflects how Brainport Eindhoven supports personal growth and family well-being. Moving from South Africa, she highlights how her employer, NTS, offered flexibility and practical assistance, from setting up utilities to finding a daycare for her son. Azraa also emphasizes the region’s safe and inclusive environment, which allowed her to focus on her studies and career while balancing family life. Her experience demonstrates Brainport’s commitment to work-life balance and professional development.
Read Azraa’s full story here.
Vision of Change
As the ultimate breeding ground for pioneers, the Brainport region is constantly helping talent bloom. Whoever comes to the region, whether to live or work, is already a pioneer in the making. The pioneers' mission is to develop key technologies that solve societal challenges for a better future, inspiring others to adopt the same mindset. Pioneers must bring a vision of change where a diverse and multicultural community coexists, and work ambition leads the way to building a sustainable future together. If we, as a region, lead by example, the rest of the world will follow.
Economic Growth: The regional economy of the region grew by 61.3% over the past decade, driven by investments in high-tech industries solving global challenges.
Job Creation Leader: Between 2025 and 2032, over 52,700 additional jobs in tech and IT are expected in the region, driven by innovation and sector growth.
Leader in Green Living: The Netherlands excels in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, reflected in green urban planning and eco-friendly housing.
Significant Export Growth: Since 2015, the export of goods has grown by 76.5%, with exports from the HTSM sector increasing by 98.7%
We must also take more risks than we’re used to. We have a fairly comfortable welfare state, but if we wish to drive change, we must be willing to take a leap of faith. To achieve our goals, we must work together and be creative.
- Former CEO of ASML - Peter Wennink
Keywords
• Creating a better future
• Sustainable solutions
• Making a positive impact worldwide
• Building pioneers
• Solving societal challenges
Turning Aspirations into Reality
Khalid’s (Omanis) journey to Brainport Eindhoven reflects a drive to turn dreams into achievements. As a mechatronics student from Oman, he highlights how the region’s supportive environment and technological focus enabled him to pursue his ambitions. Khalid describes Brainport as a place where ideas are welcomed, challenges are tackled, and opportunities are endless—perfectly aligning with the Vision of Change pillar.
Read Khalid's full story here.
Culture of Belonging
Progress in the Brainport region can only happen if we are open to the many possibilities for how to achieve it. And that is not only through our result-driven mentality but also through our openness and respect for each other. Brainport is not just a technical hotspot; it's a diverse and supportive community that thrives on its residents' personal accomplishments, leading to a broad vision of the world's collective future.
Multicultural Population: Brainport is home to 80,824 internationals, representing 11.1% of the total population in the Brainport region.
Inclusive Environment: The Netherlands is seen as open and inclusive, scoring 4.05 out of 5 in international perception studies.
English Proficiency: The Netherlands ranks #1 globally for non-native English skills, making it easy for internationals to integrate.
Community Strength: 94% of residents in the Netherlands report knowing someone they can rely on, indicating strong community bonds.
Cultural Diversity in Workplaces: Companies in Brainport thrive on diverse and multicultural teams, fostering innovation and inclusivity.
Safety: Brainport is located in one of the safest countries globally, providing a secure and welcoming environment.
Only when all residents experience the benefits and can be proud of their Brainport region, is the success truly complete.
- City Envoy, Municipality of Eindhoven - Janneke van Kessel
Keywords
• Openness and inclusivity
• Supportive community
• Social integration
• Welcoming environment
• Sense of connection
Inclusion Starts Here
Naima (German) and Guus (Dutch) share how Brainport Eindhoven fosters inclusion and diversity, making internationals feel at home. Naima, an international mother, highlights the region’s family-friendly atmosphere and cultural acceptance, while Guus, a serial tech entrepreneur and passionate investor, emphasizes Brainport’s collaborative spirit and supportive networks. Their story underscores how Brainport thrives as a multicultural hub, where connections are built both professionally and personally.
