Digitalization in Groningen and Ostfiesland mapped out

How digital are Groningen and Ostfriesland (Germany)? Where do the opportunities and challenges lie? The IT-Mapping project examined the state of digitalization in these border regions and provides valuable insights for the future.

Cross-border digitalization research

From December 2023 to December 2024, researchers from the Netherlands and Germany collaborated on the IT-Mapping project. This initiative mapped the progress of digitalization in the regions of Groningen (Netherlands) and Ostfriesland (Germany). The project was led by Digital Hub Ostfriesland, Hochschule Emden/Leer, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and the Rijks University of Groningen, and co-funded by the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland programme.

What was researched?

The study focused on three key questions:

• How well-developed is the digital infrastructure in these regions?
• What digital skills do employees possess?
• What is the potential for innovation?

Using data analysis, interviews, and AI technology, more than 97.000 companies were examined. Researchers also collaborated with universities, businesses, and digital hubs to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. At Hanze, the research group was led by Diederich Bakker, professor of International Business, and Rix Groenboom, professor of New Business & ICT.

Key findings

The results reveal clear differences between the two regions:

• Groningen has a strong ICT labor market, numerous digital hubs, and rapid adoption of AI and big data.
• Ostfriesland has a growing innovation ecosystem but faces challenges such as a shortage of IT specialists, fewer educational programs, and weaker broadband connections in rural areas.

Digital and economic growth in the region

The project highlights numerous opportunities for joint digital development, including:

• Expanding digital training programs to address the shortage of IT specialists.
• Strengthening cooperation between businesses and educational institutions to enhance employees' digital skills.
• Investing in better digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

Looking ahead, the focus is on cross-border collaboration and training in new technologies. By doing so, we aim to build a stronger innovation ecosystem and drive long-term digital and economic growth in the region.

Research report

Want to learn more? View the full report in Dutch and German here.

Research report IT-Mapping (Dutch)

Research report IT-Mapping (German)