Yesterday, the National Program The Hague Southwest (NPZW) presented the implementation plan 2023-2026. The implementation plan contains concrete actions and measures that will be implemented in The Hague South West over the next 4 years.
The NPZW was created by the Southwest Alliance. This alliance consists of 6 mutually collaborating alliance tables that correspond to the 6 main ambitions: Education, Work and economy, Housing and living environment, Safety, Health and vitality, and Social cohesion and participation. The ‘Work and Economy’ alliance is led by Harry Wientjens, chairman of the Economic Board The Hague.
Second regional deal
The alliance council also signed a declaration of support for the Second Regional Deal. In this letter, the Alliance Council stated that it will continue to make efforts in the coming years to achieve the goals of the Second Southwest Regional Deal. The Second Regional Deal – under the flag of the NPZW – builds on the great results of the First Regional Deal. For example, the number of meeting places will be expanded and they will receive professional support.
Via this link for more information about the meeting and the implementation plan.
On 7 September, Titaan was officially opened by Edward de Jager (Chairman of the Unknown Group), Rinke Zonneveld (CEO Invest NL) and Elisabeth Minnemann (Chairman of the Executive Board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences and board member of the Economic Board The Hague) in in the presence of 1000 guests from home and abroad. Titaan, the former tobacco storage of the Caballero factory in The Hague, has been transformed into a 13,000 m2 innovation hub by the Municipality of The Hague and Unknown Group. The ambition to make the Binckhaven the largest impact campus in Europe has now come a step closer.
Titaan is a physical meeting place and clubhouse for impact-driven entrepreneurs who make the world a little better with their innovative solutions. Titaan offers more than 60 office spaces for fast-growing companies with 8 to 150 employees who are currently unable to find room for growth in the region. At the opening, the building is already more than half filled with impact companies. An example is Hygro, one of the first tenants in the Titaan. Hygro is an energy company specialized in hydrogen systems. The company first started with 2 employees and grew from startup hub Apollo 14 in the Binckhaven to 17 employees. The step to Titaan enables them to grow further. In addition to offices, Titaan also offers space for more than 200 companies to test their innovative solutions. For example, Hygro will test the possibilities for a self-sufficient energy system in Titaan by producing hydrogen with the energy of 1,000 solar panels on the roof of Titaan.
The basement of Titaan offers space for manufacturing companies. An example is Skeleton. This company makes lightweight mechanical exoskeletons for people who work much beyond their means, such as painters and plasterers. By settling in Titaan, Skelex combines their office and a place for their assembly in one location. Another example is the company KiCo, which is going to develop a 1000 m2 shared kitchen in Titaan to give entrepreneurs with food innovations the opportunity to develop, test and demonstrate their new products.
Breeding ground for talent and impact companies
Titaan is a breeding ground for the development of talent in the region. Unknown Group opens its second location of the Unknown University of Applied Sciences in Titaan. This University of Applied Sciences houses more than 150 students who start a company during their studies and obtain a bachelor’s degree. Amsterdam-based Equals is also opening its second location in The Hague. Equals Academy retrains women for technical training at renowned companies and thus promotes the influx of women into technical professions. The Hague University of Applied Sciences is going to have an innovative educational concept take place in Titaan. This form of education is practice-oriented and in collaboration with Titaan’s business community. The innovation hub thus offers an environment where talent and business come together.
Further development Binckhaven
Unknown Group started in 2008 on the Binckhorstlaan, less than 500 meters from their new location Titaan. It is a company with roots in The Hague, a love for the city and a focus on impact. As a proud partner of ImpactCity and, since 2018, organizer of ImpactFest, Unknown Group is a sustainable partner for the municipality in developing The Hague’s innovation ecosystem. With the opening of Titaan, Unknown Group is taking a step towards its dream to transform the Binckhaven into the largest impact campus in Europe together with partners. A place with attraction at home and abroad where large-scale solutions are being worked on for the challenges of our time.
“We are very proud to return to the Binckhaven with Titaan,” says Edward de Jager, chairman of Unknown Group. “This is the place where Unknown Group once started with the aim of supporting entrepreneurs with their solutions for a better world. We do this by strengthening impactful entrepreneurs with the right environment, training, financing and partnerships with the existing business community. We have found the perfect place for this in Titaan.”
From 16 to 22 September 2023, the European Commission is organizing the European Mobility Week for the 21st time. Last year, measurements by Rijkswaterstaat showed that during the mobility week of September 2022, traffic jams on the A4 around The Hague and Rijswijk had reduced. Reason for The Hague Connected to join forces again this year with employers from the Haaglanden region.
European Mobility Week
Every year, the European Mobility Week is organized and it is an awareness campaign for sustainable urban mobility. Nearly 3000 cities in Europe are participating and driving behavioral change in the field of active mobility, public transport and other clean, transport solutions.
In addition, employers will have to deal with (legal) changes in the coming years, such as the introduction of the draft decree CO2 reduction work-related personal mobility and the Zero-Emission city zones.
The Hague
Last year, a total of 70,000 fewer kilometers were traveled during the mobility week, resulting in at least 3% fewer traffic jams. Based on this percentage and the average emissions of a passenger car, this led to a reduction of 14 tons of CO2. That is why The Hague Connected, a partnership of major employers in The Hague from the Economic Board The Hague, is once again stimulating the European initiative in the royal city.
The employers are jointly encouraging their employees to adopt more sustainable travel behavior. This is to contribute to awareness for improved traffic flow on access roads in and around The Hague. The following employers are participating in the mobility week: Aegon, NN, PostNL, Shell, Siemens (allen verenigd in The Hague Connected), Gemeente Den Haag, Provincie Zuid Holland, MKB Den Haag, VNO-NCW regio Den Haag, Rabobank, Green Business Club Beatrixkwartier en The Hague & Partners.
Collaboration Zuid Holland Bereikbaar
The Economic Board The Hague and Zuid Holland Bereikbaar have jointly created an ‘inspiration toolbox’. Employers thus have access to useful sustainable mobility tips to stimulate and inspire employees. In addition, employers use this week to draw attention to (new) sustainable mobility policy.
Participate
Companies are cordially invited to participate in European Mobility Week from 16 to 22 September. Support is available for the Hague region from the Economic Board The Hague and Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar. Please contact info@economicboardthehague.org or theonoordman@zuidhollandbereikbaar.nl.
Frans Everts, since April 2023 President-Director of Shell Netherlands, will join the Economic Board The Hague as a member. “With approximately 4,500 employees on Campus The Hague, Shell is a major employer in The Hague. It is not only the location of Shell Netherlands that I proudly manage, but it is also the beating heart of a number of Shell’s global business units and therefore a major ‘resident’ of The Hague with the associated social responsibility to also think along with the city and invest locally.” says Everts.
According to Everts, the municipality can count on his contribution to the major challenges the city faces. “I am happy and proud to be able to do that as a member of the Economic Board The Hague. I want to contribute knowledge and connecting power from Shell Netherlands. For example, in the task of making the accessibility and mobility of the city future-proof and sustainable. With the increasing pressure on air quality, accessibility and quality of life, major transitions are needed there, for which the municipality and mobility companies must innovate technically and organizational. At the same time, this creates wonderful opportunities for the local economy and entrepreneurs.”
Frans Everts (1965), born in Groningen, studied business administration at the University of Groningen and has worked for Shell in various roles for the past 33 years. He led Shell Energy in North America and held strategic and commercial roles in Italy and the United Kingdom. In the Netherlands, from 2001 to 2004, he was at the helm of Shell Netherlands Sales Company, known for its petrol stations. Before taking up his position as President-Director, Everts was responsible for Shell’s global communications.
The Economic Board The Hague (EBTH) is founded in 2017 and is an advisory group that advises the municipality of The Hague on economic matters, solicited and unsolicited. The EBTH now consists of ten members, who meet six to eight times a year. It is a mix of people from the business community in The Hague. See the full composition of the board here.
There were questions from politicians in The Hague about what exactly the board does and a motion followed to stop the subsidy. The motion was rejected and, according to alderman Bruines, the EBTH ‘is thinking along with the municipality on all kinds of possible themes. It is the lubricant between the city council, the business community and knowledge institutions. The EBTH tries to bring ideas that we have to the attention of the business community more broadly, in the field of sustainability, mobility, cyber security and safety, but also, for example, about the future of Scheveningen.”
Harry Wientjens, chairman of the EBTH: ‘Take the future of Scheveningen. We think along with questions such as: how do you involve the port? What is the role for beach clubs in local economy? How can Scheveningen remain easily accessible? Will it become green, will there be more festivals, or will tradition – fishing – be given a prominent place? And how do we connect Scheveningen to the city?’
The EBTH works unpaid and in recent years the organization has been further professionalized, with the municipal contribution being phased out. “We see no reason to stop the subsidy,” says alderman Bruines. See the full news item for more background information.
On Monday 19 June the coalition agreement was presented in the provincial house by the chairmen of BBB, VVD, GroenLinks, PvdA and CDA. The Hague Connected has taken note of the coalition agreement with interest and has sent a letter of congratulations to the candidate deputies who are expected to be installed at the beginning of July.
By means of this letter, The Hague Connected wishes to provide a number of points for the further implementation and elaboration of the coalition agreement in the coming years. In the coming term of office, €150 million will be made available for additional efforts on social issues and ambitions.
The complete overview of candidate deputies, including the intended allocation of portfolios, is as follows:
Enterprising The Hague gathered yesterday in Amare for a dose of inspiration during Den Haag Inspireert! Entrepreneurs and employers jointly looked at the future of the city and joined forces. Collaboration, connection and new opportunities were central at the employers- and networking event organized by the Economic Board The Hague and the municipality of The Hague.
Chairman of the Economic Board The Hague, Harry Wientjens, looks back on a successful day: “We have chosen to combine energetic seven-minute talks with in-depth knowledge sessions. This resulted in an afternoon full of inspiration and new perspectives. It was great to see that more than 500 guests from the city and region entered into the conversation on various levels. That’s what we do it for, making new connections and creating new collaboration opportunities.”
Plenary program
The opening act was a mix of music legends from The Hague by DJ I-REEN. Then it was time for the seven minute talks. The eight inspiring speakers, each nominated by an alderman of the municipality of The Hague, spoke about a topical subject.
Merei Wagenaar, executive director at UN Global Compact Network Netherlands, spoke on behalf of Marielle Vavier about the ‘sustainable development goals’ and how entrepreneurs can get started with them. Lisa Jordan of DRK Foundation spoke on behalf of Saskia Bruines about ‘social impact economy’. Stefan Baecke founder of Yespers, invited by Arjen Kapteijns, talked about sustainability in the production chain. Marjolein ten Hoonte spoke on behalf of Kavita Parbhudayal about inclusive employment and the labor market.
Halfway through the show, the audience was surprised with a combination of classical and rap by the Residentie Orkest and the Haags HipHop Centrum. During this intermezzo, various social themes were incorporated into a contemporary ‘rhapsody’.
The program continued full of energy with Philip Nijgh, invited by Martijn Balster, who spoke about The Hague South West and the role of the Meppel, a new school of the ROC Mondriaan. Hendrik Halbe, CEO of Unknown Group, entered the scene on behalf of Robert van Asten and outlined the dream of Europe’s largest impact hub in The Hague with the help of the Johnnie Walker theory; ‘Keep Walkin’. Geert Kloppenburg presented a vision of the future on mobility on behalf of Anne Mulder and impressed the guests. The ‘seven minute pitches’ were concluded by Yvonne Beusker who was invited by Hilbert Bredemeijer, she spoke about ‘sea power’ with opportunities for sports, education and entrepreneurs.
Finally, the Hague Pearls 2023 were awarded. Saskia Bruines presented the Hague Entrepreneur Award to the winners The Shore, in the Exceptional Contribution category, and Dyflexis, in the Family Businesses category.
Knowledge sessions
After the plenary program it was time for the ten in-depth knowledge sessions. This enabled discussions with the top of the business community in The Hague and with new international companies that have established themselves in The Hague in the past year. In addition, there were various sessions about, among other things: sustainability, staff shortages and ‘quick wins’ for managers.
Closing
Mayor Jan van Zanen congratulated the winners of the pub quiz as ‘The smartest Hagenees/Hagenaar’ and the ‘Haagse Innovation Prize’ was also awarded. “Connection and inspiration were central. Inspiring speakers have brought attention to the major topics of you and our aldermen, ”says van Zanen.
Den Haag Inspireert! was presented by moderator of the day, Donatello Piras. The networking drink was offered by MKB The Hague, VNO-NCW region The Hague and Koninklijke Horeca Den Haag.
In the coming years there will be a lot of work that will cause traffic disruption in and around The Hague. This affects the accessibility and mobility of the city. Travelers, suppliers, employees and visitors will have to deal with this from next year until beyond 2030.
On Wednesday 28 June, the municipality of The Hague and Zuid Holland Bereikbaar will map out the mobility solutions with partners from the city. During this meeting, accessibility, sustainable alternatives, partial transport and customized solutions will be discussed. In addition, there are workshops on the legal information obligation for companies with 100+ FTE, the Zero Emission Zones in The Hague and insight into travel methods.
| Date: | Wednesday, June 28, 2023 |
| Walk-in: | 4 p.m |
| Start program: | 4.30 pm |
| Networking drink: | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Location: | The Hague Humanity Hub, Fluwelen Burgwal 58, 2511 CJ The Hague |
See the full program below:
| 4.30 pm | Word of welcome Anne Mulder, alderman for Mobility and Outdoor Space |
| 4.40 pm | Explanation of Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar |
| 4.45 pm | Short, medium and long-term activities in The Hague and the region |
| 5.00 pm | Interview with entrepreneurs. What are the best practices? |
| 5.10 pm | The Hague Connected! and European Mobility Week |
| 5.15 pm | Pitches for partial transport providers |
| 5.20 pm | Workshops: Choose from, among others:
– Statutory obligation to provide travel behavior information for companies with 100+ employees – Zero Emission Zones The Hague from 2025 – Customized solutions for insight into employee travel modes with (free) scans. |
| 6:00 pm | Discussion and networking drink |
As an entrepreneur you are very welcome, you can register via this registration form.
During the networking drink there is also the opportunity to talk to specialists and to ask questions about specific topics.
On Friday June 23rd, the Municipality of The Hague and the Economic Board The Hague are organizing the inspiration and networking event Den Haag Inspireert!
This is an annual event where entrepreneurs and the business community from the greater The Hague region look ahead to the future together. With various themes visitors are challenged to come up with new ideas. In addition: cooperation, making new connections and entrepreneurship are stimulated.
The plenary program consists of various inspiring ‘seven-minute talks’, in which ideas and future visions on important themes are outlined. The subjects have been carefully chosen in collaboration with the aldermen of the municipality of The Hague.
As part of the programma the winners of the ‘Haagse Parels’ are also awarded. On top of that there are 10 different knowledge sessions and, of course, networking drinks.
Details:
| What: | Den Haag Inspireert! |
| When: | Friday, June 23, 2023 |
| Location: | Amare, Spuiplein 150, Den Haag |
Program:
| Walk-in guests: | 12:30 – 13:00 |
| Room open: | 13:00 – 13:15 |
| Plenary programme: | 13:15 – 15:45 |
| Knowledge sessions: | 15:45 – 17.00 |
| Pub quiz: | 17:00 – 17:30 |
| Closure by Mayor: | 17:30 – 18:00 |
| Networking drinks: | 17.00 – 18.30 |
SMEs to multinationals are very welcome and there is room for 750 guests on a first come, first serve basis. Be inspired, inspire and invest in your network!
You can register via: https://denhaaginspireert.we-invite.eu/
Den Haag Inspireert! is made possible by VNO-NCW region The Hague, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland – The Hague, MKB The Hague and Rabobank.
Note: The event is in Dutch
Companies, governments and knowledge institutions from South Holland are calling on national politicians to keep the Netherlands accessible to international talent. Customization is required per institution due to the differences between cities and educational institutions. This letter advocates ‘tailor-made’ as a starting point, in which the details are left to the institutions themselves.
“The province of South Holland runs on the talent of its inhabitants.” With this, the Economic Board Zuid-Holland (EBZ), the Economic Board The Hague (EBTH) and Economic Development Board Drechtsteden (EDB) open in a joint letter to the Minister of Education, the Minister of Economic Affairs and the members of the House of Representatives (click here for the full letter in Dutch). Attracting and retaining international talent is an important part of South Holland’s Human Capital Agenda.
The reason for the letter is the motion passed by the House of Representatives, asking universities of applied sciences and universities to stop actively recruiting international students. The influx of international students can cause challenges, such as the quality of education or shortages in the housing market. As far as Zuid-Holland is concerned, it is necessary to jointly arrive at a future-proof package of measures that can be deployed locally. There is a need to attract and retain international talent for the earning and innovation capacity of South Holland. Measures that are too generic at national level are detrimental to the socio-economic development of the region. And let’s not forget that the Dutch working population will decline due to demographic circumstances in the coming decades, which means that we are in dire need of international talent.
The adoption of the motion by the House of Representatives leads to insufficient attention being paid to regional needs and the needs of individual educational institutions and municipalities. It reinforces negative sentiment regarding the influx of international students to colleges and universities. EBZ, EBTH and EDB emphasize the importance of a regional dialogue in order to jointly arrive at a good package of measures and to leave the customization to the institutions themselves.
Tim van der Hagen (Rector and Chairman of the Executive Board of TU Delft): “At TU Delft, we believe it is important that universities and universities of applied sciences have instruments at their disposal to manage the intake of students sustainably and effectively, in particular to prevent the intake of non- – EEA students to be able to restrict. The tools are not there now, so customization is essential.”
Martin Van Gogh (Director Batenburg Techniek): “It is necessary for companies to maintain access to all available talent, including international talent.”
The Human Capital Agenda Zuid-Holland focuses on a more resilient labor market in the province. At the end of 2021, the ‘International Talent Program’ project was launched for one of the routes of the agenda ‘attracting and retaining international talent’. The International Talent Program aims to attract and/or retain 500 international employees. Why is this essential? Some numbers from the letter:
– In the technology sector, where there is a significant labor shortage, the retention rate of international talent is high, namely 30-40%
– In other sectors we see that the average retention rate is 25% and that this percentage has growth potential
As a region, we are working hard to ensure that international talent not only come to the Netherlands to study, but that this talent stays here to work, live and contribute to the future of the Netherlands. This not only contributes to labor shortages in specific positions, but also to the international market position of South Holland. Think of organizations that are internationally oriented, but also of the innovative power of our country.
