Expert profile

Vera de Ruiter is a senior manager at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, where she leads the Centre for Entrepreneurship and has played a key role in its development into the largest and one of the leading Centres for Entrepreneurship among Dutch universities of applied sciences. With extensive experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, valorisation and impact, Vera works at the intersection of higher education and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Over the past years, Vera has developed and led programmes supporting startups and scale-ups, explored funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, and strengthened the translation of research and innovation into societal and economic impact. This work has resulted in an extensive network of public and private partners across the Netherlands, Europe and beyond. 

A strong advocate for entrepreneurial higher education and international collaboration, Vera has substantial experience in building cross-border partnerships and connecting diverse stakeholders around shared ambitions. She combines strategic vision with a pragmatic, people-centred leadership approach, with a strong focus on creating impact and sustainable results. 

Through her extensive experience in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting innovation and strengthening collaboration between higher education, business and society, Vera brings a practical and strategic perspective to the HEInnovate Expert Group and contributes to advancing entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education across Europe.