North Netherlands encompasses the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland. The region accommodates more than 130,000 businesses, and the average GDP is more than € 50 billion. Its features include
- a large number of innovative, ambitious and promising sectors:
- agri business
- water technology
- energy
- healthy ageing
- sensoring
- yacht building
- two seaports (Harlingen, and Eemshaven with the Delfzijl port area)
- the University of Groningen, several colleges of higher education, the Wetsus knowledge institution, and an Academic Medical Center.
- energy and natural gas in Slochteren and the head office of Gasunie.
- the Wadden Sea – a UNESCO world heritage site.
- events well-known throughout the world, such as the Elfstedentocht (the Eleven Cities Tour), the DONG Energy Solar Challenge and the annual Dutch TT motor races in Assen.