World · Europe · 23 hrs ago
Limburg named the world’s most innovative region
The Dutch region of Limburg was named the world’s most innovative region at an announcement in Ohio.
The award is given by the Intelligent Community Forum, a global network of 200 cities and regions that support innovation.
Limburg was one of seven finalists, with its four Brightlands campuses focused on health, data and AI, materials, and food security.
The jury praised how Limburg rebuilt its economy after the mines closed about half a century ago.
The campuses bring together government, businesses and educational institutions, and the judges said this network supports economic, social and cultural growth.
Limburg’s provincial government welcomed the recognition and said it would encourage further work on innovation.
Limburg was named the world’s most innovative region, with the result announced in Ohio on Thursday.
The region was among seven finalists, represented by its network of four Brightlands campuses.
The campuses focus on food security, medical technology, data and AI, and materials and circularity.
The ICF jury praised Limburg’s transformation after the closure of its mines about half a century ago.
The title was welcomed by Limburg deputy Stephan Satijn, who said it was recognition of the region’s international work.
- Who
- Limburg, represented by its network of four Brightlands campuses, won the title.
- What
- It was named the world’s most innovative region by the Intelligent Community Forum.
- When
- The result was announced on Thursday; the articles were published on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made in Ohio, United States. Limburg is in the Netherlands.
- Why
- The jury praised Limburg’s transformation after the mines closed and the Brightlands campuses’ role in regional growth and innovation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Brightlands campuses were established as an initiative of the Province of Limburg, educational institutions and regional businesses.
Brainport Eindhoven became the only other Dutch region to win the title of “smartest region.
The Canadian region of Durham received the title of most innovative region.
Limburg was announced as the world’s most innovative region in Ohio.
- Award
- World’s most innovative region
- Announced
- Thursday, in Ohio, United States
- Finalists
- Seven regions, including Limburg
- Brightlands network
- Four campuses
- Campus focus areas
- Food security, medical technology, data and AI, materials and circularity
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What people are saying
After the discovery of natural gas in 1959, the region lost not only jobs, but also security of existence and hope
The Brightlands campuses bring that regional pride back in a new economy, focused on a better future.
What a wonderful recognition for Limburg!