National radio station BNR: "Brabant has been growing faster than the rest of the Netherlands for years, what is the secret of the high-quality manufacturing industry?"

Hans de Jong, President Philips Netherlands, talks to presenter Roelof Hemmen about the secret of the high-quality manufacturing industry in Brainport Eindhoven and what other companies can learn from this. Hans also talks about the contribution that the health technology company itself makes to society.

High-tech companies from Brabant are leading in the world

"Brabant has been growing faster than the rest of the Netherlands for years”, says Roelof Hemmen. In this area, geographically sometimes referred to as ‘below the rivers’, there is a little miracle going on, he stated to Hans. “Perhaps above the rivers others can learn something from that. What is the secret of the high-quality manufacturing industry?"

According to Hans, Brainport Eindhoven has a strong foundation because it has been investing in technology for decades. "Philips started out as a startup that got out of hand with one brother making innovative products, another brother selling them worldwide, and a father financing it all. That's where the global Philips group came from. That knowledge and expertise has now spread to new initiatives and new businesses. That has laid the ground for the miracle of Brabant." 

"Philips is at the basis of this, but the current success of all companies, and the people who work there, is an achievement we accomplish together. The high-tech companies in Brabant are leading in the world. They know exactly what is needed and are already working in the laboratories before other companies know about it. That's the power we have."

Social responsibility

Presenter Roelof Hemmen also challenged Hans on the social role of Philips. 

"It's all about reciprocity. The balance between government, business and community. The question is: what inspiration can we get from the past to build a future-proof Netherlands? I think it's a good thing that we, as Philips, account for this and show what we are currently contributing to society", says Hans. 

"Philips is committed to keeping healthcare accessible and affordable. The principles of the circular economy take center stage in this. And by 2020 we will be CO2-neutral worldwide. It's also about what you do for people. For example, we invest in our own employees, but also in people who have a distance to the labor market. Through our Employment Plan, we have already provided 13,000 people with work experience, 75% of them find a job after completing that program.”

"Corporate responsibility also means investing in sustainable growth. The Brabant economy is a good example of this. With 8,500 employees and more than 700 million in local investments in R&D, Philips, together with other high-tech companies in the region, is the driving force behind the above-average economic growth in Brabant, and therefore in the Netherlands.