Pieter Omtzigt returns with strategic AI initiative to boost regional economy
Enschede, Friday 30 January 2026
Emerging from his political hiatus, the former MP has established Equità, a consultancy in Enschede. He is now leveraging artificial intelligence to address Twente’s demographic decline, marking a fascinating transition from parliamentary control to strategic regional innovation.
From National Politics to Deep Tech Governance
Pieter Omtzigt officially registered his sole proprietorship, Equità, with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) on 14 October 2025, although the venture only came to public attention this week following an investigation by RTL [2][3]. Operating from Enschede, the consultancy has been engaged to advise the Twente business community, government bodies, and educational institutions on the strategic opportunities presented by artificial intelligence [1][4]. This move represents a calculated pivot for the former NSC leader, who departed the House of Representatives in April 2025 citing burnout, transitioning his focus from parliamentary oversight to the governance of digital transformation [3][5].
Strategic Regional Revitalisation
The consultancy’s primary mandate comes from the Industriële Kring Twente (IKT), acting within a broader project for the Twente Board—a collaborative alliance of government, entrepreneurs, and education sectors [1][2]. Omtzigt is tasked with mapping existing AI initiatives across the region and formulating a strategy to scale these technologies [2][3]. The economic imperative for this digitalisation is clear: local stakeholders have identified that regional production growth is lagging, a trend exacerbated by forecasts of a shrinking population [1][2]. By integrating AI systems that mimic human intelligence, the region aims to modernise legacy industries and secure future economic resilience [1][4].
A Return to Analytical Roots
This new venture allows Omtzigt to return to his roots as an economist while leveraging his specific expertise in technology governance; he previously served as the vice-chair of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Council of Europe [5]. Beyond the technical aspects of AI and SaaS (Software as a Service) models, Equità’s scope includes advisory work on administrative issues, demographics, and the European rule of law [2][6]. Omtzigt noted that working in the background has been a welcome change after 22 years under high pressure in The Hague, stating it is ‘nice to be back at work’ contributing to tangible societal solutions [5][6].