Akzo Nobel transforms Deventer site into technology innovation hub
Akzo Nobel Specialty Chemicals has signed an agreement which will see its Deventer site in the Netherlands transformed into a chemistry and technology innovation hub in 2018.
Set to be positioned as a key European center for the most demanding chemistry and technology (chemtech), the Deventer Open Innovation Center is backed by a seven-year agreement with the municipality of Deventer and is being supported by the Restructuring Company Overijssel and the Province of Overijssel, who together are investing more than EUR25 million.
Diversity in employment
Companies, knowledge institutes, entrepreneurs, investors and students will be able to gain access to a working environment which includes research facilities, such as a safety laboratory, analytical lab, pilot facilities for scaling up production, and education and training facilities. The 2018 opening will also bring new companies to Deventer and will contribute to diversity in employment, from plant operators and laboratory analysts to technologists and chemists.
New final name
Currently known as the Deventer Open Innovation Centre (DOIC), the final name is expected to be announced in early 2018. By the end of 2025, the center should accommodate around 300 knowledge-intensive employees and 50 users in the field of training and education, in addition to the existing 315 AkzoNobel employees.
