In The Netherlands a ‘blue zone’ is a free parking space but that is not what we mean here! We are talking about a specific area where relatively many people reach the age of 100 and above in good health. Right now, there are only five of these special areas in the whole world but the University Medical Centre in Groningen or UMCG’s vision is to create such an area in the North of The Netherlands. It focuses all its activities on ‘healthy ageing’ with the sole purpose of creating a zone where people can get old(er) whilst remaining healthy. To reach that goal, the UMCG searched for - and found - local and (inter)national cooperation and smart alliances with significant partners.

Ageing population creates opportunities

Because of the challenges in the Northern Netherlands, the UMCG’s vision is not only relevant to society as a whole but also courageous. Due to various social-economic reasons, the average life expectancy in this region is significantly below the average in The Netherlands. Chronical diseases are rife in that area. But the motivation to make this endeavour a success is strong.

UMCG’s research focuses on health span rather then life span; healthy ageing starts already at conception. Their research programme is one of the most valuable multi dimensional cohort studies and bio bank in the world today.

Ageing and chronical diseases often go together resulting in a rise of healthcare costs. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that globally in 2050 the number of people that will reach the age of 80 and over will have tripled compared to 2010.

The UMCG wants to be the leader in the field of innovative healthcare solutions that in the long term have social impact far beyond the North Netherlands region. So, the possible impact of UMGC’s goals can have far-reaching and rewarding consequences

UMGC’s lessons for your company

1.     A shared vision and mission are key factors when it comes to leadership.

UMCG leaders have formulated one single focus for the whole organisation for all it’s activities relating to healthcare, education and research: healthy ageing. And they stick to it! Employees are stimulated to share this vision and mission with the outside world.

Having a clear (social) vision and mission tells your employees what you and your organisation are about and aim for. Translate this into clear and operational goals for the whole organisation and involve all your staff to create clarity of purpose and help attract new employees that identify with them. Your staff are excellent ambassadors for your organisation.

2.     Prevention is better than cure

UMCG thinks differently from other healthcare organisations. This is reflected in the innovative concept implemented in a masterplan with parameters to operationalise their plans.  

Rather than focusing on problems like an ageing population, the UMCG’s commits itself to prevention. In the long term this will benefit society as a whole in healthcare. That this concept proves successful is demonstrated by finance for research and scientific publications.

3.     Build long-lasting relationships with like-minded partners

The UMCG does not only profile itself in the North of the Netherlands, but also in the European Union and internationally by actively searching for and building alliances. Its purpose is creating breakthroughs through innovations in healthy living.

Be bold and do not be afraid to work with other parties that have the intrinsic motivation to realise the same goals as your company or branch. To quote an African proverb often used by Nelson Mandela: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go further, go together!

To read the UMCG’s case study, click here.

Share this article!

Our next blog is about Unilever: how did they implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, what lessons learned can you use?