Reported by Cécile Balavoine. Photos by Ludovic Maisant.
Strolling through the canals, medieval alleyways, beguinages and parks of Utrecht, you'd never know that between 2010 and 2013, the region was recognised as a "World Heritage Site". the most competitive in Europe. Ahead of London and Paris! And to achieve this, Utrecht has been able to count on its particular trump card: its university, founded in 1636 and ranked among the top 10 institutions of higher education in Europe. Situated on a green campus of more than 300 hectares, around twenty minutes by bus from the city centre - by the end of 2018, an express tram will link them in three times less time - Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading universities. a genuine centre of innovation. In all, it employs 7,000 people, generates more than 800 million euros in annual revenue, has almost 30,000 students and awards 9,000 diplomas every year. Above all, it is home to the laboratories of the future.
Professor Bert van der Zwaan, rector of the university and a palaeontologist by training, is a pioneer in the field. interaction between academia, research and business. On his arrival at the head of the institution in 2011, the man who is also the author of a text on the future of universities, Higher Education in 2040is committed to making an impact on society and urban well-being. "Universities are not ivory towers. It's a place of reflection that must improve life and deliver excellence in very practical ways."he explains.
Incubators on campus
This interaction between the worlds of the mind and the workplace is reflected in the presence of nearly 160 start-ups on campus. "There are already five incubators on campus, and we offer workspaces, advice, support and all kinds of opportunities to students who want to become entrepreneurs."continues the Rector. A virtuous circle : these student start-upsrepresenting almost 1,200 jobs, create wealth for the university, which is a shareholder.
"The incubators set up on the university site are home to tiny structures as well as large companies. It is this diversity that makes our institution and our region so competitive."says Bert van der Zwaan. What's more, 70 % of young graduates from Utrecht University find a job. a job within two years following the completion of their studies. "What sets us apart from other universities is that we try to attract not only major companies, but also major research institutions such as Danone Nutricia, the Deltares water institute and TNO, which focuses on sustainable development. The key is to integrate technology start-ups into an ecosystem rich in diversified knowledge."says the Rector. However, the humanities are by no means neglected. "We have just organised a wonderful exhibition on literature from the Middle Ages"he stresses.
Like many Dutch universities, Utrecht is based on an open and creative system. "It has to be said that primary and secondary education in Holland is very good overall. Young people speak English from an early age and most of them are very aware of what's going on in the world, continues Bert van der Swaan. This is an asset when they enter higher education."This state of mind also helps to build many bridges between the lecture theatre and real life.
At present, the university has installed four "living labs where researchers work in real-life situations. "They are working in schools on a project about the impact of terrorism on young people, others are interested in energy and how to make a city more sustainable, and still others are studying issues relating to old age."concludes the university rector. For this latest project, a retirement home with very old and/or demented patients opened its doors to the general public thanks to a café and a cinema. Over a beer or a film, different worlds come together, and social boundaries become increasingly porous. At the same time, the IT department is studying a system that would enable elderly residents who have lost their cognitive functions to continue walking around the city without risking getting lost.
But Utrecht University is not the only institution on the campus, which also includes an institute of applied sciences and five university hospitals. In addition, the Princess Maxima paediatric oncology hospital is due to open before summer 2018.
In total, taking all institutions together, the city would have nearly 60,000 students. "A number of campus institutions and start-ups are based in Science Park, which was created in 2012."explains Tom Straeter, spokesman for the Science Park. Between the ultra-contemporary buildings, 100 green %s, some of which are still under construction, benches equipped with solar panels can be used to recharge a telephone or computer. with a green attitude. A not-for-profit organisation founded under the aegis of Utrecht University, the Institute of Applied Sciences, the Medical Centre, the city and the province, the Science Park aims to bring together talent and highlight two economic areas specific to Utrecht: life sciences and sustainable development. "We intend to create social innovation".says Tom Straeter. The quality of life is paramount in this economic and intellectual Eden.
