What works in Eindhoven

Eindhoven transformed itself into a European innovation leader through coordinated strategies. The Place-Based Branding Strategy secured the Place Brand of the Year Award in 2018 and was named Europe's most innovative city by the European Commission in 2019, with visits roughly doubling and international knowledge workers nearly tripling to 8,970 over eight years. Economic recognition as a key national pillar brought €130 million in government funds in 2018, while resident satisfaction remained high with 56% rating living in Eindhoven 8 or higher. The city's ecosystem is further strengthened by the Business Investment Zone — the largest in the Netherlands — where 2,100 entrepreneurs and property owners invested over €4 million in the city centre between 2017-2021, and the Brainport Eindhoven triple-helix partnership among government, industry, and academia that supports 5,000+ technology firms generating up to 36% of Dutch high-tech exports.