Dutch research universities in all three KICs

On december 17th, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) announced the first three Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), consortia of European universities, research institutions and companies. Dutch research universities are prominently involved in all three KICs, selected from 20 applications, making the Netherlands one of the few countries to be represented in all selected KICs.

Sijbolt Noorda, president of the VSNU, pointed out that the success of the Dutch research universities in the selection of KICs demonstrates the Dutch research universities and institutes are being appreciated and are excelling on a European level. This strong participation in EIT, Noorda said, also constitutes an enormous boost for Dutch research, education and innovation.

The three KICs, designated to become centres of excellence within Europe, have been selected on the basis of leadership and excellence. The three KICs and the participating Dutch research universities are:
- Climate-KIC: Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University and Research Centre
- EIT ICT Labs: University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, Delft University of Technology
- Sustainable Energy: Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Groningen (via the Energy Delta Institute).
These universities also have collaborative ties with other Dutch research universities on the topics of the KICs.