Business climate and opportunities in Utrecht region
The two healthcare innovators emphasise Utrecht region’s favourable business climate, primarily due to its central location. “We rely on highly specialised staff with expertise in both IT systems and care processes”, notes Hiddinga. “Even before current labour market shortages, these experts were difficult to find. And we are always in need of new talent to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancement. Vianen is easily accessible from all directions, making us a more attractive employer.”
Employees and partners
The same goes for Performation. Deterd says, “We currently have about 160 brilliant people on board, but we’re always on the lookout for more talent with the right knowledge and data skills. Our convenient location not only makes us attractive to employees from all over the country but also helps us find and retain clients and business partners.”
Performation works closely with the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Dutch national health service (GGD GHOR), which all have headquarters in the city of Utrecht.
Future of digital healthcare
Performation has been a data-driven company for more than 25 years, and NEXUS is active in 25 countries worldwide. But, even for these pioneers, keeping on top of technological innovation is a challenge.
“Data sharing in personal health environments has now become standard”, says Hiddinga. “Patients have increasing influence over the care they receive and better insight into their medical records. While this saves time for healthcare providers, it also leads to stricter laws and regulations that must be complied with. There is also a significant need to centralise the many different systems currently in use.”
“Data can tell you an awful lot, but only if you use it in a smart way.”
— Huub Deterd, CEO Performation
Innovation as a driver of change
Innovations in digital healthcare and the technology landscape are keeping both companies on their toes. Hiddinga says, “We need to evolve faster and faster to stay ahead. This means we require more highly specialised experts.”
Given the growing labour shortages in the healthcare sector, Deterd expects competition for good data analysts to only increase in the next few years: “Data can tell you an awful lot, but only if you use it in a smart way. It can be used to schedule specialists more effectively and better support patients remotely with digital solutions and home monitoring. By streamlining complex healthcare processes, hospitals can treat more patients without compromising quality of care.”
ROM Utrecht Region helps companies stay ahead
The two companies agree that ROM Utrecht Region can play a key role in addressing these challenges. “ROM Utrecht Region’s support is invaluable to SMEs like us”, says Deterd. “It provides us with access to knowledge, networks and funding information.”
Hiddinga adds, “ROM Utrecht Region drives knowledge sharing in the region, keeps us informed of relevant events and connects us with potential partners.”
Both Deterd and Hiddinga arrive at the same conclusion — in a rapidly changing market, ROM Utrecht Region helps them stay ahead of the game.
