Hanze Plans Major Restructuring for Better Collaboration
New cluster system aims to streamline organisation and strengthen regional impact
Hanze to Restructure into Thematic Clusters
Hanze University of Applied Sciences is restructuring to simplify its organisation and improve collaboration. The current 29 schools will be replaced by nine clusters: six focused on education and research and three for support services. This change is expected to make the organisation more efficient and better connected to regional needs.
Why the Change?
Hanze’s current structure has too many small units, making it harder to manage and collaborate. The new setup will place education and research "under one roof," making it easier for teams to work together. This will help education stay up-to-date with real-world developments and allow research to use student talent more effectively.
What Will Change?
Six Thematic Clusters:
Education, research, and professional fields will be grouped into six related clusters, making it easier to align activities and share resources.Streamlined Support Services:
Administrative tasks will be handled within three separate support clusters, reducing complexity.Focus on Collaboration:
The new structure shortens communication lines, encouraging better teamwork and faster responses to challenges.Minimal Impact on Students:
Study programmes and their content will not change. Students will see little to no difference in their day-to-day education.
The reorganisation is not intended to cut costs or staff. If fewer employees are needed, adjustments will happen through natural turnover over time, not layoffs.
The restructuring is planned to start in 2026. The university’s Works Council and Supervisory Board will review the plans, and staff will be informed throughout the process.