Utrecht, September 4, 2025 -Coöperatie VGZ and Koninklijke Jaarbeurs are joining forces to make healthcare future-proof. The cooperation focuses on connecting knowledge, people and ideas and takes shape through the Dutch Health Hub, Jaarbeurs 's online platform where healthcare professionals and innovators meet. The organisations are also jointly developing initiatives for leading healthcare trade fairs, with the aim of accelerating innovation, digitalisation and sustainability in healthcare.
Partnership confirmed: making a greater impact together on major challenges in healthcare
VGZ and Jaarbeurs have joined forces with an official signing ceremony. Audrey Wilschut, healthcare cluster manager at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs: “By joining forces, we can make a greater impact together on the major challenges facing the healthcare sector.” Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Nicolette Kersbergen: “VGZ Co-operative aims to be a driving force behind future-proof healthcare. This means that VGZ keeps a close eye on issues such as innovation, digitalisation and sustainability in healthcare. These are also key themes for Jaarbeurs , so a partnership is a positive, logical step towards strengthening each other’s position on these issues.”
Innovation and communication go hand in hand
As far as Kersbergen is concerned, communication is essential to fulfilling the role of a driving force. “An ageing population and a shortage of healthcare professionals: healthcare must be organised differently to remain future-proof. VGZ conveys this message in all sorts of ways. Not only by emphasising topics such as appropriate care, care innovation or public participation in care and support, but also by demonstrating how we fulfil our role as a driving force to inspire others.”
Connection to the wider healthcare network
Through this collaboration, VGZ is joining the wider healthcare and health network in which Jaarbeurs plays a central role. Audrey Wilschut sees the partnership as an opportunity to make an impact together. “We bring relevant parties together and provide a platform for innovative ideas and trends. This leads to valuable encounters and concrete steps towards better healthcare.”
The partnership came about partly thanks to the efforts of Ruud Koolen, director Dutch Health Hub, who is retiring at the end of this year. Koolen: "I particularly like the fact that this partnership is now officially launched. This provides a solid foundation for the future."
