The WTC Twente in Hengelo is part of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). WTCA has over 300 establishments in almost 100 countries with the objective of promoting trade globally and creating one business netowrk. There are over 750,000 companies and institutions connected to the WTC organisation worldwide.

Renowed innovative companies such as  Thales, Akzo Nobel, Ten Cate, Siemens, Eaton, Urenco, PANalytical, Demcon, Power-Packer, Grolsch, Apollo Vredestein and Stork  are still the driving force behind the growth of  economic activities. Nevertheless, these corporations  as well as many other  small and medium-sized businesses are often originated from the University of Twente and they focus on the high-quality capital and knowledge intensive activities nowadays.