Dirk Plees

Dirk Plees currently serves as the Senior Policy Advisor for European Cooperations in Economy and Innovation at Provincie Limburg (NL), where he plays a pivotal role in fostering cross-border collaborations and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems. His expertise lies in leveraging European funding programs such as Horizon 2020, Interreg Europe, and the S3 Platforms to enhance economic development, research, and innovation within Limburg and its neighboring regions. Dirk’s strategic focus on open innovation and regional innovation strategies (RIS3) enables him to facilitate impactful partnerships that drive sustainable growth, particularly in sectors like advanced manufacturing, chemical industries, personalized medicine, and MedTech.

A key aspect of his role involves establishing and negotiating collaboration agreements with regional partners across borders, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes in areas such as the labor market, education, tourism, and industrial development. His extensive network includes participation in initiatives like the European Chemical Regions Network and the OECD LEED program, where he contributes to shaping policies that promote regional competitiveness and innovation-driven growth. Dirk’s involvement in projects such as S3Chem and MedTech4Europe underscores his commitment to advancing cross-sectoral and cross-border synergies in science and industry.

With a strong background in public policy, European studies, and EU funding, combined with language skills in Dutch, English, German, Portuguese, and Italian, Dirk effectively navigates the complex landscape of European regional cooperation. His work not only enhances Limburg’s economic resilience but also positions the region as a proactive player in European innovation networks, fostering knowledge exchange, industrial collaboration, and sustainable development across borders.