ROTTERDAM, 14 November 2024 – South Holland’s innovation capacity is set to grow through enhanced cooperation among local governments. Rotterdam, along with Delft, The Hague, Leiden, and the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH), signed an intent on 13 November to create a regional programme for start-ups and scale-ups by early 2025.
Photo credit: Rhalda Jansen Fotografie
Strengthening the start-up and scale-up ecosystem
The collaboration aims to create a supportive climate for start-ups and scale-ups in Zuid-Holland (South Holland). These businesses are regarded as significant drivers of economic growth and employment across different educational levels. Provincial authorities highlight the region's position as a leader in start-ups focused on innovative and impactful technology.
The initiative follows insights from Ruben Nieuwenhuis, an expert in start-up and innovation ecosystems, who stressed the importance of smarter collaboration. Saskia Bruines, The Hague’s alderman for Economic Development and chair of MRDH’s Economic Business Climate Committee, emphasised the need to support entrepreneurs working on solutions for societal challenges.
“The world is in transition, and Zuid-Holland aims to lead. Entrepreneurs developing tomorrow’s solutions are essential to this effort. They contribute to prosperity by creating jobs and addressing pressing challenges. To support them, we must think beyond city borders,” Bruines said.
Enhanced synergy to reduce fragmentation
The partnership seeks to minimise the fragmentation of knowledge and efforts while leveraging the advantages of collaboration. This united approach is expected to create efficiency and address bottlenecks more effectively.
Robert Simons, Rotterdam’s alderman for Port, Economy, Hospitality, and Governance, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation.
“We face significant shared challenges, such as the energy transition in the Rotterdam port, a vital economic driver for the region. The innovation of start-ups and scale-ups is crucial to accelerating this process and strengthening our competitiveness. This collaboration ensures we are better prepared for future opportunities and challenges,” he stated.
Intentions for a regional programme
The signatories aim to deliver an actionable programme by early 2025 to support start-ups and scale-ups. The plan will encourage the involvement of other stakeholders, including academic and research institutions.
