NHTV specialises in the disciplines of Digital Entertainment, Hospitality & Facility, Leisure, Tourism and Urban Development, Logistics & Mobility. It is precisely because these domains are interrelated and interwoven that an inspiring climate is created to foster knowledge development and sharing.

Research

NHTV develops knowledge on an academic level as well as a more practice-oriented level. Due to this combination of abstract and applied knowledge, of development and implementation, and the natural synergy that exists between the disciplines mentioned, NHTV contributes to the innovation of the industry. Innovation depends on intensive collaboration between business and education on a regional, national and international level.

Close Interaction with the Industry

A close interaction with the industry has always been NHTV’s main strength. Associate professors, lecturers and supervisors often hold part-time positions in the industry, and that is why they are fully conversant with professional standards and practices, as well as with trends and developments in the relevant field of expertise. This integrates seamlessly with the development of knowledge.
NHTV aims to share knowledge through close contacts and cooperation with medium-sized and small enterprises, organisations, institutions, and government bodies. In this process, the associate professorships as well as the knowledge and research centres of NHTV play a crucial role.

Vision of Research

To lift the development of knowledge to a higher level, NHTV appointed a rector magnificus* in 2010. According to NHTV’s vision, knowledge development involves four different levels: conceptual research, applied research, consultancy & development and education-based. All associate professors and lecturers are involved in knowledge development, though in four different roles. Some carry out fundamental conceptual scientific research (role 1), others carry out applied academic research (role 2), others are primarily engaged in consultancy and design activities (role 3) or in knowledge development that is strongly education-based (role 4). There is a direct relation between education and knowledge development at all levels.

* In Dutch universities, the rector magnificus is the academic representative on the board, responsible for the university’s research.