Dutch King and Minister Knops visit Fontys Venlo
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and minister Knops visited Fontys Venlo and the library of Venlo for a working visit, on Tuesday 26 November. Their visit to Fontys Venlo revolved around the collaboration between Germany and the Netherlands in the border region.
At Fontys, the Dutch King and the minister talked to entrepreneurs, employees and students about the meaning of research and education in and for the border region of Limburg-Niederrhein (border provinces in the Netherlands and Germany). The research conducted and the education provided at Fontys Venlo is very well connected with the economic values in this specific cross-border region, like logistics, agribusiness and the manufacturing industry. Many Fontys Venlo alumni find a job in the German-Dutch trading business.
A presentation was given about a few cross-border projects and initiatives that reinforce the economic collaboration in this region. Some participants of one of these projects, the High Potentials Crossing Borders Project, joined in a meeting with the Dutch King and minister. This project introduces students to the cross-border labour market and the companies headquartered over there.
Guy Somers and Danny Jonker explained the King and minister Knops what the LOGwear Project is about. After which the King himself requested to try out the proglove (a smart glove) and the hololens (a mixed reality smartglasses).
The visit of minister Knops is the thirteenth visit in a series of working visits of the King, ministers and secretaries of state. During these working visits, the King is shown how a certain project or policy is executed in practice and he sits down with the parties involved.