Rotterdam urged to invest in tech and talent for 2040

ROTTERDAM, 7 July 2025 – A newly released advisory report has outlined the strategic choices Rotterdam must make to remain economically competitive by 2040. The "Denktank Rotterdamse Economie 2040", a think tank composed of nine local entrepreneurs, has presented its findings to the municipal council and the board of mayor and aldermen.

_{Image: Presentation by the Rotterdam Economy 2040 Think Tank. Photography: David Rozing}

Rotterdam advised to focus on innovation, industry and talent to safeguard economic future

The advisory report proposes a vision for Rotterdam as an international leader in the port economy, medical technology (MedTech), and smart manufacturing. These sectors are supported by emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and CleanTech. The think tank calls for measures to reduce regulatory pressure, enable entrepreneurship, stimulate innovation, and retain and attract skilled talent.

The think tank was established following a municipal council motion calling for a forward-looking economic strategy. In preparing its report, the group consulted dozens of entrepreneurs, experts, and educational institutions. Strategic advice was also provided by Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Concerns over competitiveness

The report highlights declining innovation, increasing insolvencies, and the growing inclination of companies to relocate abroad. According to the think tank, these trends threaten the city’s economic resilience. Nevertheless, Rotterdam's key assets—its world-class port, robust knowledge institutions, and culture of collaboration—are viewed as a foundation for future success.

Jolanda Jansen, chair of the think tank and CEO of Rotterdam Ahoy, emphasised the urgency of municipal action: “We ask for fewer regulations and more trust. This report was written out of concern for the future and love for the city. Now it is up to the council, educational institutions and businesses to carry this forward—from think tank to do-tank.”

Municipal response and next steps

Alderman Robert Simons (Port, Economy, Hospitality and Governance) welcomed the report, stating: “This advice rightly underscores the burden of regulations and taxation. We are actively working to reduce these pressures locally and advocating for better national conditions. The themes highlighted—innovation, AI and entrepreneurship—are indeed the defining challenges of the future.”

The advice will be reviewed by the municipal executive and discussed with the city council in the coming period.

About the think tank

The “Denktank Rotterdamse Economie 2040” comprises Ellen van Dam, Graciëlla van Vliet, Hicham Shatou, Jolanda Jansen, Laamia Elyounoussi, Ludo Baauw, Michel Driessen, Pieter van Klaveren and Sabine Biesheuvel. Their shared aim is to strengthen Rotterdam's economic position through targeted choices and coordinated public-private collaboration.