Growing our Knowledge-based Economy

Did you know? An international collaboration that dates back to 2008 has put Peterborough on the map for Dutch companies to land in Ontario and do business. This partnership was formed because of the number of similarities between Eastern Ontario and Eastern Holland. What similarities you ask? A significant presence in the world of research and innovation in environmental resources specifically in water quality and quantity. Check out the following Water Canada article highlighting Peterborough and how Canada’s water expertise is proving valuable on a global scale.

The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster (GPIC) started working with the Development Agency of East Netherlands, Oost NV, in 2008, making its first visit a year later in September 2009. The initial visit was to meet water companies looking to come to North America, visit Wageningen University, and start discussion with Oost NV. By the end of the trip, it was evident that there was a great opportunity for collaboration.

March 2011, Bill Lockington GPIC Chair and Erik Duijsens, Oost NV sign MOU

In March of 2011, GPIC celebra ted World Water Day by formalizing the partnership with Oost NV. The rel ation shipprovides an overseas portal for Dutch water based businesses seeking to launch commercial ventures in North America. This partnership facilitates trans-atlantic collaboration for knowledge-sharing and new product development. Peterborough is a key “soft landing”location for these Dutch companies, as it has extensive water/aquatic researchexpertise, access to water research infrastructure, significant private sector water manufacturing supply chain, and the ability to train a skilled work force in water technology and application.

Since formalizing this partnership, GPIC has:

• Hosted Dutch company visits, such as Water Insight who have since incorporated in Peterborough, Ontario and have collaborations at Trent University, and most recently Afmitech Friesland;
• Had a Dutch intern work in Peterborough to map trans-atlantic opportunities for attracting investment, and collaboration in water R&D;
• Visited Holland to follow-up with companies interested in visiting Peterborough;
• Facilitated student applied projects Fleming College’s International Trade and Marketing program to develop market penetration strategies for 2 Dutch companies;
• Coordinated a Fleming Student placement with a Dutch biotechnology company in Holland;
• Hosted 20 PhD studentsfrom Wageningen University and Reseach Centre at Trent University.

This partnership would not be possible without the support of the Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation, the Ontario Ministry’s Eastern Ontario Development Program, and Innovation Gateway North America.