ROTTERDAM, 21 May 2025 – Employers in the Rijnmond region are being encouraged to reconsider how they fill vacancies, as municipalities and labour market partners launch a regional campaign to address growing staff shortages by tapping into overlooked talent pools.

Employers urged to rethink hiring strategies amid staff shortages

A new campaign launched by the municipality of Rotterdam and partners in the Werkcentrum Rijnmond urges employers to reconsider outdated perceptions of jobseekers with support needs. The initiative, titled Toekomstbestendig ondernemerschap is anders kijken naar je personeel (“Future-proof entrepreneurship means viewing your staff differently”), seeks to reduce labour shortages by advocating for the inclusion of untapped talent in the workforce.

The Rijnmond region, named for its location at the mouth of the River Rhine, encompasses Rotterdam and surrounding municipalities including Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Capelle aan den IJssel and parts of the Drechtsteden, forming one of the most economically significant areas in the Netherlands.

Broad coalition supports inclusive hiring

The campaign is supported by a broad coalition including local municipalities, the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), trade unions, educational institutions, and employer organisations such as MKB Rijnmond, VNO-NCW and ABU. Together, they call on companies to open up to hiring individuals who may require additional support, such as job coaching or adapted working conditions.

Official calls on employers to 'open their eyes'

Tim Versnel, Rotterdam’s alderman for work and income, noted that many employers continue to overlook jobseekers with support needs, despite the growing scarcity of available workers.

“I speak with many employers who, despite their staff shortages, still overlook our people. They think these individuals do not fit, but that’s based on outdated ideas,” he said. “With the right conditions, they can do great work and bring real value. Employers, open your eyes and get in touch with us—before even this talent pool runs dry.”

Support available for employers

The campaign specifically targets employers unfamiliar with the options for hiring individuals with support needs. Alongside raising awareness, the campaign highlights various schemes to assist employers, such as wage cost subsidies, wage dispensation, employment cost benefits and job coaching services. Additionally, training programmes are available to help businesses prepare for working with this group of employees.

Personalised advice available

Employers interested in exploring these opportunities can register for an advisory meeting via the Werkcentrum Rijnmond website. The centre serves as a regional point of contact for employers, employees and jobseekers with questions regarding work and development. Comprising more than 30 partners, Werkcentrum Rijnmond provides information, advice and practical, tailored support.

ROTTERDAM, 2 May 2025 – A growing number of Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs are driving the city’s digital economy, which now accounts for over 35% of its added economic value. Despite their online presence and international reach, these businesses often remain invisible to the public. In response, the municipality has launched the first edition of the Month of the Digital Economy (Maand van de Digitale Economie) to highlight their contribution.

Rotterdam launches ‘month of the digital economy’

The city of Rotterdam has formally introduced the Month of the Digital Economy, aiming to raise awareness and appreciation for businesses operating within the digital sector. According to alderman for economy Robert Simons, the initiative is intended to spotlight both established leaders and new pioneers.

“The digital economy in Rotterdam is growing rapidly – and we ought to recognise that,” said Simons. “In May, we will focus attention on our digital entrepreneurs, including through a podcast series where they share their experiences.”

Strong annual growth and international orientation

The digital economy in Rotterdam has experienced continuous growth. Local SMEs have increasingly adopted advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and immersive platforms including VR and AR. Rotterdam's robust ICT infrastructure and service providers have enabled companies to maintain competitive positions in global markets.

Podcast series launched for digital economy month

Digital economy spans all sectors

Rotterdam is home to over 5,000 ICT companies, ranging from small firms offering IT support to major cloud hosting and data centre services. These businesses form the foundation upon which other sectors digitise and innovate.

In addition, the city hosts sectors built entirely on digital models, such as creative digital agencies, which together employ more than 1,500 people. These agencies will open their doors to the public during Agency at Night on Friday 16 May, offering visitors a look at work created for international clients. Leading up to the event, the Creative Talent Night Award will take place on Monday 12 May to spotlight emerging talent.

Notable events highlight digital presence

On 27 and 28 May, Dutch gaming companies will gather in the World Trade Center for the Indigo Showcase, a national gaming industry event. Rotterdam, already home to well-known game development studios, aims to use this event to reinforce its status in the creative tech sector.

Additionally, the international video platform Twitch will return to Rotterdam Ahoy on 31 May and 1 June for the second edition of TwitchCon. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 international streamers and creators.

Digital transformation extends into local communities

Digital entrepreneurship is also being promoted at the neighbourhood level. In Beverwaard, the local initiative LikeJeWijk will begin a pilot project exploring how digital platforms can support small businesses in their own districts.

Collaborative support from city and partners

The municipality of Rotterdam is working with partners such as VNO-NCW’s New Economy working group, MKB Rotterdam Rijnmond’s Digital committee, and Digiwerkplaats Rotterdam. Together, they support entrepreneurs through knowledge exchange, educational events, and cooperation with institutions including Erasmus University, colleges and vocational schools.

A regularly updated event calendar and resource overview is available via Ondernemen010.nl.

Podcast series features voices from the sector

Three episodes of a dedicated podcast have been recorded to mark the Month of the Digital Economy. Guests included Charlotte Koeleman (Somention), Ludo Baauw (Intermax), Jan Verwoerd (360Fabriek), Jeroen Westerbeek (MondayMerch), Gijs den Butter (Senseglove), and Fabian van den Berg (VSTEP Simulation). Topics ranged from social influencing and virtual reality production to the development of maritime simulation software used worldwide.

ROTTERDAM, 16 May 2025 – A new policy aims to simplify access to free sport and cultural activities for children from low-income families in Rotterdam, starting in 2026. By integrating existing financial support into the Rotterdampas, administrative hurdles are expected to decrease significantly.

Sport and cultural subsidy integrated into Rotterdampas

As of 1 March 2026, children aged 4 to 17 whose parents earn less than 130% of the statutory social minimum (wettelijk sociaal minimum) will be able to access subsidies for sports and cultural participation more directly. This will be made possible through an updated Rotterdampas programme, which will automatically include the subsidy upon application.

The change is aimed at making it easier for families with limited means to enrol their children in sports clubs or cultural programmes, such as music or art classes.

Simplified system replaces current application method

Currently, families must apply for the subsidy through the Youth Fund for Sport and Culture Rotterdam (Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Rotterdam), often with the help of intermediaries such as teachers or social workers. This process has been described as unnecessarily complex.

Under the new system, once a child receives a Rotterdampas at the reduced rate of €0, the subsidy is automatically loaded onto the card. Families can then register directly with participating sports or cultural organisations, eliminating the need for third-party assistance.

Local authority aims to reduce child poverty

“This simplification will make access much easier for children and their parents,” said Abigail Norville, alderman for poverty reduction, debt assistance, language, and allowances. “Parents will only need to verify their income once when applying for the Rotterdampas. After that, the support is automatically linked to the child’s pass. By lowering the threshold, we hope to reach many more children.”

The initiative supports the municipal goal of increasing participation in poverty-related schemes among children.

How it will work in 2026

Approximately 25,000 children in Rotterdam currently obtain the Rotterdampas at the low-income rate each year. Beginning in March 2026, a digital voucher will be added to the pass. This voucher can be used to cover the cost of a year’s membership at a sports or cultural institution, or for lessons, equipment, and instrument rentals.

Sports and cultural organisations will be approached later in 2025 to join the new programme. Until then, the current system via the Youth Fund remains in place for the rest of the year.

ROTTERDAM, 11 April 2025 – A tram connection is being considered for Rotterdam's future city bridge, aiming to shorten travel time between Zuidplein and Kralingse Zoom. Authorities believe this choice will better support expected growth in housing and mobility.

New city bridge in Rotterdam likely to include tram route

A tram connection has been identified as the preferred public transport mode for the future city bridge (stadsbrug) planned in Rotterdam. The tram is expected to link Zuidplein to Kralingse Zoom within approximately 15 minutes. The decision was made jointly by the municipality of Rotterdam, the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH), and the Dutch ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management and Housing and Spatial Planning.

Preference based on capacity and sustainability

According to the involved parties, the tram was preferred due to its ability to carry more passengers per ride and its potential to be integrated more sustainably into the urban environment. The final decision will be subject to further assessment of several practical and financial conditions.

The proposed city bridge aims to strengthen the connection between Rotterdam Zuid and the northern parts of the city. It is also expected to facilitate mobility for future residents of the Oostflank area, where an estimated 30,000 new homes are planned.

Tim Versnel, alderman for the municipality of Rotterdam, stated: “I am pleased that all parties have agreed on the tram as the best option for the new city bridge. The tram suits Rotterdam’s character, fits well into the existing public transport network, offers greater capacity, and can be scaled up if ridership increases.”

Martina Huijsmans, MRDH regional executive, added: “With the growth in housing, employment, and travellers in our region, integrating different forms of mobility is essential. A well-accessible and strong public transport network plays a vital role. By opting for a fast tram link over the new bridge, we are taking a significant step towards improved accessibility.”

Tram versus Bus Rapid Transit

The decision followed extensive research that compared the tram with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system—a rubber-tyred bus operating on a dedicated lane, similar in appearance to a tram. Experts evaluated the pros and cons of both options, with input from local councils and resident organisations along the proposed route. Ultimately, the tram was favoured.

Before a final decision is made, several conditions still need to be addressed. These include the tram’s integration with Zuidplein’s metro and bus stations, alignment with existing financial agreements, and a shared approach between the municipality and MRDH regarding annual operational, maintenance, and management costs.

Further development of station and route plans

With the tram now the preferred option, the City Bridge and Public Transport (Stadsbrug en OV) project team can proceed with route planning and development of the proposed station at Stadionpark. An ambitions document for the bridge will also be drafted, involving input from residents and neighbourhood councils.

By the end of 2026, it must be determined whether the designs and projected costs of the bridge, tram route, and station fit within established political agreements and budgets. Simultaneously, a design process will commence for the new Stadionpark station, which will feature new rail tracks, tram stops, crossings, and a redesigned station area. Residents will be closely involved in this phase.

About the project

The Stadsbrug en OV initiative is part of a national infrastructure and planning programme (MIRT) and is a joint effort by the ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management, Housing and Spatial Planning, MRDH, and the municipality of Rotterdam.

More details can be found on the official project website: rotterdam.nl/stadsbrug-en-ov

Location and directions

The future bridge and tram route will connect key locations in Rotterdam-Zuid to the eastern and northern parts of the city, passing through areas such as Stadionpark, Zuidplein, and Kralingse Zoom. Stadionpark, located near the Feijenoord area and De Kuip stadium, is served by public transport and surrounded by residential and recreational developments.