TOP-programme, Temporary Entrepreneurial Positions

The TOP-programme (Temporary Entrepreneurial Positions programme) was established in 1984 by the University of Twente in the Dutch region of Twente. The objective of TOP was to encourage graduates of the university to start their own knowledge-based companies. Gradually, the objective was extended to staff members of the university, graduates from other universities and polytechnics, and people from industry.

During the first year the knowledge-based company is located in the university. After the first year they have to move (ideally to the Business and Technology Centre BTC and when they have grown too big for the BTC, they should move to their own premises on the Business & Science Park).

The evaluation of the TOP-programme showed that 78% of the companies established through the TOP-programme still exist, only 22% stopped their activities. These existing companies offer, on average, 8.7 jobs. More information on the TOP-programme can be found in the book "The role of the university in regional development", which can be ordered at Twente University Press.

For more information on TOP, check TOP site 

TOP is financially supported by the European Social Fund.