For any innovative company, research and development is a key success factor for sustainable and profitable growth. However, research comes at a considerable cost and usually has a relatively long payback period. A company’s research is usually narrow-scoped, as it is driven by current business needs and limitations, while university research has a more scientific approach with a broader scope. It is led by the absolute top in their respective fields and carried out objectively, complying with the latest standards and insights. Our corporate partners not only have the advantage of having ‘first eyes’ on relevant research, but are even encouraged to actively contribute in its purpose and setup. In that way, they can use early insights in scientific research as a complementary tool for their own research, or even avoid in-house research projects which would require a considerably higher investment. It is also an option to sponsor a chair.

For any growing company, or companies with growth ambitions, the 'war for talent' is a considerable challenge. Any manager with some experience understands and appreciates the tremendous difference a talented employee can make. Embedded in the culture of the University of Amsterdam, and the central part of our positioning as a university, is the fact that we foster independent minds that make a difference in business and society. Our students are encouraged to occasionally deviate from the paved path and think outside the box. This is one of the factors that makes them different from ‘average’. Corporate partners are offered the opportunity to actively approach students for internships or company visits, hence creating an early relationship with talented potential future employees.

Either ‘tailor-made’ company-specific, or in an open enrolment programme, as a corporate partner, you are offered the opportunity to fully benefit from well-developed courses and modules, taught by the very top in their field.

Corporate partners can attend to or even participate in workshops and seminars organised by the University of Amsterdam and/or the Amsterdam Business School. Also, guest lecturers of companies often share their insights and knowledge in front of student groups. Finally, some corporate partners offer scholarships to exceptionally talented students as an early recruitment tool that simultaneously creates considerable brand awareness.