Time setter story: Nienke Dijkstra on entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Nienke Dijkstra knows better than anyone what it feels like to be an entrepreneur: in 2020 she switched from the creative industry to TNO, where she now uses her expertise for start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs. With her experience at the intersection of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, she has learned to appreciate the power of collaboration between entrepreneurs and TNO's research institutions and labs like no other. Her vision is clear: the key to success lies in combining the innovative power of SMEs with the in-depth expertise of TNO.

Nienke Dijkstra sees it as her mission to act as a connecting link between these worlds, and thereby create an ecosystem in which companies can innovate faster and make the necessary impact. ‘If we want to stay ahead at an international level, we must not only research, but also translate it into practical, valuable applications that really help companies grow,’ says Dijkstra.

Renewal

Building something from nothing is par for the course for her. ‘I love this work: innovation and finding added value have always been recurring themes in my life. For example, I like to remodel houses, both in my work and in my private life.’

She summarises her role at TNO as a combination of mediating, translating, and connecting. ‘We aim to be the go-to technology partner for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs. This is because we have observed that SMEs play a crucial role when it comes to innovation and Research & Development in our country. My team makes sure entrepreneurs and SMEs are introduced to the right experts at TNO, so they can take their innovative ideas to the next level.’

‘Researchers and entrepreneurs share the same drive to achieve something. I want to bridge that gap.’ She does this on several levels. ‘For example, we select strategic themes through which TNO can strengthen SMEs. TNO HIVE is a great example of this. Here, we collaborate with the Healthy Living & Work unit to contribute to the acceleration of the digital health sector.’

Her team is also working to bring the right parties and portfolios together. ‘In doing so, we are joining forces with Invest-NL, private investment companies, or regional investment and development companies.’

Dijkstra also started the TNO Fast Track programme to connect SMEs with the right experts at TNO. 'There are around 300,000 small and medium-sized companies in the Netherlands. To really connect with this target group, we can’t be afraid to take their needs as the starting point and really focus on them.’

Thanks to Fast Track, an entrepreneur with a question about innovation can now access TNO's knowledge, experts, labs, and network in three steps. ‘We have an intake procedure and a customised fee and get into action quickly. Over the past year and a half, we have successfully dealt with about 450 enquiries from entrepreneurs.’

‘My team tries to find out where market demand is struggling. That is the sweet spot for entrepreneurs, which should be targeted with extreme urgency, because that sweet spot is what really matters. We then put together a team of experts who all have a connection to the client's query. In some cases, they have never worked together before. To me, the fact that our colleagues can so quickly make a difference for the entrepreneur, by immediately adding value, is beautiful. We sometimes surprise even ourselves.’

Multiple games of chess at the same time

‘My position is special in that I deal with all 6 TNO units. My work is commercial, strategic, and political. It’s just like playing a strategic puzzle, or multiple games of chess at the same time. I keep a bird’s eye view of what is needed while also trying to figure out the best way to implement it. In that sense, I still feel a bit like an entrepreneur at TNO. I’m building something new and have a lot of freedom in determining the strategy.’

TNO Fast Track

Are you looking for specific expertise in R&D and innovation? Are you seeing opportunities to innovate or do you have a technological challenge that we may be able to help you with? At TNO Fast Track you can find more information.