Head of Entrepreneurship / Implementation Manager

Department

University Services

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, V25.0319

Job description

We seek a new Head of entrepreneurship tasked as an implementation manager to lead the strategic transformation of the University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen's fragmented knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial support into a unified and impactful support ecosystem. Drive the implementation of our new vision, foster an entrepreneurial culture, and build strong internal and external collaborations to position RUG/UMCG as a leader in translating research into societal and economic outcomes.
Vision Statement

The University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (RUG/UMCG) aspire to be a globally recognized leader in translating cutting-edge research into impactful societal and economic outcomes.

Overview of the role
This role will be instrumental in implementing this vision by transforming our current, fragmented knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial support to an integrated support ecosystem that fits the strategic ambitions as defined by the RUG and UMCG boards. This managerial position is aimed at candidates with an entrepreneurial and result oriented mindset with good organization and environmental awareness. The core task is translating the strategy and structure that has been developed by RUG and UMCG into an effective operation that is well connected both internally and the broader entrepreneurial support ecosystem.

Assignment

Core Objective
Implement the transformation of RUG/UMCG's entrepreneurial ecosystem such that it can maximally support RUG/UMCG’s mission to become a nationally and internationally recognized model for translating research excellence through the entrepreneurial approach into impactful societal and economic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of an integrated entrepreneurship support ecosystem from the current fragmented support structures
- Design and implement a comprehensive pathway and task division to unify and integrate existing entrepreneurship support structures across RUG and UMCG.
- Develop a clear roadmap for transitioning to a hybrid support model where support and functions are physically present on the respective campus locations while having core functions shared (e.g., IP management, licensing, legal, investment) for efficiency and expertise.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a unified CRM system for data management, prospect tracking, and stakeholder engagement.

Contribute to a strong entrepreneurial culture at RUG and UMCG
- Ensure the support structure contributes to a strong entrepreneurial culture within RUG and UMCG based on a vision also supported by RUG and UMCG leadership that innovation and valorization is a core task. This also implies that RUG and UMCG are committed to rewarding achievements by academics and other professionals on this task in assessments, taking away barriers and that experts in innovation and valorization are present in all layers of the organization. Cultivate this culture by organizing workshops, training sessions, and networking events fit for the respective campus populations.
- Identify and engage key stakeholders (faculty, researchers, students, industry partners, investors) and build strong relationships within the regional innovation ecosystems.
- Develop and implement strategies together with the respective UMCG and RUG organisations and leadership to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent, including faculty, researchers, and students.

Drive operational excellence
- Streamline processes and improve efficiency within the entrepreneurship support framework.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges associated with the implementation of the new ecosystem.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated pathway and make necessary adjustments.

Ensure compliance and governance
- Adhere to the mandates of the UMCG, RUG, and SBGG boards and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.
- Prepare regular reports on progress, challenges, and key performance indicators to the steering committee and other relevant stakeholders.
- Collaborate with legal and financial experts to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and best practices.

Promote (regional) collaboration
- Explore opportunities for collaboration with other knowledge institutes in the North of the Netherlands to enhance the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that support entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.
- Position RUG/UMCG as a regional leader and catalyst for innovation and economic growth
- Work with international partners within strategic collaborations as defined by the broader RUG and UMCG strategies.

Scope of the assignment

Focus on optimizing the following units
- SBGG - shared BD & licensing pool for RUG & UMCG.
- Innovation Centre UMCG - BD, licensing, & tech transfer.
- IP Services - joined patents and intellectual property team.
- Innokite - entrepreneurial training and acceleration bursts.
- Legal & financial experts on intellectual property.
- Business developers with TTO/entrepreneurship focus at faculties.

Align with key external stakeholders to ensure a complete entrepreneurial pathway
- Investors related to RUG and UMCG, eg

1. RUG Ventures - investment for RUG spin-offs
2. Triade investerings vehicle - investment in UMCG
3. Future Tech Ventures.

- Founded.
- Campus Groningen.
- NOM.
- UMCG and Faculties at RUG.
- Regional and national entrepreneurial ecosystems as needed.

Prioritize activities directly supporting entrepreneurship within the RUG/UMCG ecosystem
- Case Management.
- Inspiring.
- Initial Educating.
- Scouting.
- Licensing Support.
- Licensing Agreement.
- IP Management.
- Legal expertise on this subject.
- Ecosystem Development wrt spin-outs, licensing, investment funds.
- Build Successful Teams.
- Start-up Support.
- Masterclass Skills.
- Coaching.
- Network Connections.
- Investment.
- Mentorship programs.
- Innovation competitions.
- Impact assessment and reporting.

Focus on entrepreneurship related to
- Technology or Knowhow related to societal themes embraced by RUG or UMCG.
- Research and student initiatives at RUG and UMCG.

Exclude activities unless directly related to RUG/UMCG entrepreneurship (these are sometimes within a TTO scope, but not in this case)
- Public-private partnerships (unless directly linked to RUG/UMCG ventures).
- General research support.
- Broad ecosystem development including companies.
- Specific ecosystem development not related to spin-outs, licensing, investment funds.
- Campus development.
- Facilities development.
- Activities outside Groningen, Drenthe, or Friesland.

Key Outcomes

- Established and Functioning Ecosystem: A demonstrably improved, unified, and efficient entrepreneurship ecosystem within RUG and UMCG, evidenced by increased collaboration, reduced fragmentation, and improved stakeholder satisfaction.
- Cultural Change and Increased Entrepreneurial Activity: A cultural change in the academic environment induced by changes in rewarding, policies, and barriers taken away resulting in a measurable increase in the number of research-based entrepreneurial projects initiated, developed, and successfully launched (e.g., spin-offs, licenses).
- Enhanced Regional Impact: Contribution to the growth of the regional innovation ecosystem through stronger collaborations with external stakeholders and the development of a more attractive environment for entrepreneurial activity.
- Improved Resource Utilization: More efficient use of existing resources (human, financial, and infrastructural) within the entrepreneurship support framework.
- Enhanced Researcher Engagement: Increased engagement of researchers and students in entrepreneurial activities, including participation in programs, workshops, and networking events.
- Enhanced University Reputation: Increased recognition of RUG/UMCG as a leading institution in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Number of new entrepreneurial projects initiated: Track the number of new projects identified and supported through the integrated pathway.
- Number of successful spin-offs and licenses: Monitor the number of successful company formations and technology licensing agreements resulting from university research.
- External funding secured: Track the amount of external funding secured for entrepreneurial ventures supported by the ecosystem.
- Stakeholder satisfaction: Conduct regular surveys to assess stakeholder satisfaction with the new entrepreneurial support services (e.g., researchers, faculty, industry partners).
- CRM system utilization: Measure the adoption rate and effective use of the unified CRM system for data management, prospect tracking, and relationship building.
- Time to market: Track the average time it takes for promising research projects to translate into commercial ventures.
- Number of workshops, training sessions, and networking events organized: Measure the reach and impact of outreach activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurial culture and skills.
- Resource allocation efficiency: Track the efficiency of resource allocation across different support functions and identify areas for improvement.
- Societal impact: Measure the societal and economic impact of supported ventures on the region and beyond.

Mandate

The future head / implementation manager is jointly mandated by the UMCG, RUG, and SBGG boards to
- Propose a shared vision, new working methods, and, if necessary, new organizational structures.
- Secure monthly confirmation of proposals from a steering committee comprising the Dean of FSE, a representative from the UMCG, and the Director Research and Impact at RUG.
- Ensure that any proposed structural or budgetary changes are presented to and approved by a joint quarterly meeting of board representatives for final approval.
- Implement changes within the agreed-upon scope and resource allocation.

Requirements

Desired Skills & Qualifications

- Master's Degree: In a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Innovation Management, or a related discipline). PhD preferred.
- Proven Change Management Experience: Demonstrated success in leading and implementing organizational change within complex environments, ideally within higher education or research institutions.
- Entrepreneurship Expertise: Deep understanding of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship, including technology transfer, commercialization, venture creation, and the global innovation ecosystem.
- Stakeholder Management & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (faculty, researchers, industry, investors, government, alumni).
- Strategic Thinking & Planning: Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans, identify and assess risks, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Data Analysis & Project Management: Proficiency in data analysis, project management methodologies, and the use of CRM systems (or similar tools) for tracking progress and managing relationships.
- Innovation & Creativity: A highly innovative and entrepreneurial mindset with a strong desire to explore new ideas and approaches to foster entrepreneurship.
- Leadership and Vision: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, build consensus, and drive change within a complex organization.
- International Experience: Experience working in international contexts and a global perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 12 months.

Our offer

- Opportunity for Impact: Lead a transformational change in a globally recognized university and health institution.
- Collaboration: Work with top-tier stakeholders in academia, business, and government.
- Professional Development: Access to professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Vibrant Working Environment: Join a dynamic and innovative work environment in Groningen.

The Head of entrepreneurship / implementation manager will be appointed at the University of Groningen within the Research and Impact cluster of University Services. Besides the key role of implementing changes you will act as the head of the current knowledge utilization and entrepreneurship department and as such will be part of the cluster’s management team.

We offer in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (cao Nederlandse Universiteiten):

- A salary of at least € 5,495 (salary scale 12) and a maximum of € 7,651 (salary scale 13) gross per month for a full-time position.
- 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus over the annual gross income.
- A choice between a 36, 38, or 40-hour work week (based on full-time employment). A minimum of 29 vacation days with an additional 12 vacation days in the case of full-time employment.
- Good training and development opportunities.
- An employment contract between 0.8 and 1.0 FTE for the duration of one year. A possible extension is among the options.

Start date: as soon as possible

Job Application

Please send your application to us, by submitting the following documents: - Letter of motivation. - Curriculum Vitae. You may apply for this position until 24 June 11:59pm / before 25 June 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). Interviews will likely be held om 30 June 2025 with a second round on 9 July 2025. We kindly request that applicants keep these days free. The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/ Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Martijn Verwegen, Director Research & Impact (for questions about the position)
[email protected]

In your application, please always include the job opening ID V25.0319

Digital application form