In collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague and housing corporation Staedion, Museon-Omniversum is working to improve the livability of The Hague Southwest. A tangible result of this partnership is the MuseumLab at Het Zicht. A vibrant space where local youth can explore culture, nature, and science.
MuseumLab is an innovative initiative by Museon-Omniversum that now has a permanent location in the area. Its mission is to promote equal opportunities and stimulate talent development through interactive programs. All educational activities are based on inquiry-based, design-based, and discovery learning. Aimed at inspiring young people and preparing them for the future.
Together with residents and local initiatives, MuseumLab co-creates a program that truly reflects the needs and identity of the neighborhood. This approach not only contributes to education but also strengthens social cohesion and community development.
Curious about the story behind MuseumLab and how it supports a future-proof city? Read the inspiring article on Stories of Purpose:
๐ Museon-Omniversum Southwest Pilot: Be the Museum of the Future
The Future of The Hague Requires a Balanced Approach to Economy, Sociology, and Ecology In response to the draft Environmental Vision 2050, the Economic Board The Hague has shared its perspective with the Municipality of The Hague.
We endorse the importance of broad prosperity and emphasize five crucial themes that will shape the economic future of our city:
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Knowledge Development and Application โ A clear distinction between knowledge development and its application is essential, supported by a current vision of the regional economic landscape.
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International City of Peace and Justice โ It is crucial to clearly integrate The Hagueโs identity as an International City of Peace and Justice into the vision. This includes focusing on attracting international businesses, improving global accessibility, and attracting and retaining international talent.
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Digitization and Digital Infrastructure โ Digitization deserves a more prominent role as a fundamental condition for both economic and societal development.
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Air Quality โ The mandatory inclusion of air quality considerations must be accurately safeguarded in the vision.
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Policy Coherence and Visualization โ A clear structure and visual representation of policies will enhance coherence and facilitate effective implementation.
We advise the Municipality of The Hague to incorporate these key aspects into the final Environmental Vision, which is set to be adopted in the summer of 2025. We remain open to further discussions to explore these themes in more depth and collaboratively build a strong and future-proof economy for The Hague.
Since when have you been a member of the EBTH, and what motivated you to join?
I have been a member of the Economic Board The Hague (EBTH) since 2022. Thinking outside the box, inspiring each other, connecting different domains, and collectively contributing to the vision of EBTH are all things I find very important. Together, we can make a significant impact on an internationally entrepreneurial city. On one hand, by advising the municipality, and on the other, by promoting The Hague as an ambassador, a city with a strong labor market and an attractive investment climate.
What is your background, and which domain do you represent?
I have been active in the public sector for many years and have a deep passion for tackling societal challenges itโs simply in my DNA. I started from the municipal side and later moved into healthcare. In recent years, I have been working as an executive in the field of housing and public housing. Within the EBTH, we have highly committed individuals from various domains, creating a unique synergy that we leverage for the benefit of the city. Thatโs why I take pride in being able to contribute to EBTH based on my background and expertise.
What do you hope to achieve with the board, and what are you most proud of?
I want EBTH to consistently contribute to an innovative and entrepreneurial The Hague, establishing a strong economic foundation for the long term one that supports SMEs, social entrepreneurs, large multinationals, non-profit organizations, the municipality, and the national government, helping them grow and thrive. At the same time, I hope we can ensure that employees in the city and region have access to adequate housing. That would be a fantastic achievement!
What is the biggest opportunity for The Hague?
Finding common ground bringing together different perspectives from each sector and working towards shared goals. The Hague has enormous potential, and we shouldnโt get caught up in differences or bureaucratic barriers. These can be overcome if we work together towards a smart, innovative, and entrepreneurial city where everyone feels welcome. Ultimately, every company, non-profit organization, and government entity in The Hague stands to benefit from this approach.
Building Business Cases on Reuse, Waste Reduction, Upcycling, or Smarter Procurement
In a time of rising raw material prices and increasing sustainability demands from financiers, circular business offers exciting opportunities.
Several circular entrepreneurs have been working on this for years. What tips do they have? What challenges do they face, how do they attract customers, and what does the near future look like?
During this networking session, three companies will share their approach, challenges, and successes. This will be followed by recommendations on finance, policy, and spatial issues. The session will conclude with a networking reception.
The session is organized by Platform STAD in collaboration with Economic Board The Hague, Rabobank The Hague, Municipality of The Hague, MKB The Hague, and VNO-NCW region The Hague.
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When? April 8
๐ Where? Rabobank The Hague – Bezuidenhoutseweg 5
Check out the program and register via the Platform STAD website โก๏ธ
Do you know a company, or do you own a company, that has made an exceptional contribution to The Hague over the past year or focuses on circular business activities? If so, sign up now for this business award via Aanmelden | Haagse Parel .” Registration is open until Monday, March 31st.
Haagse Parel
The Municipality of The Hague is proud of its entrepreneurs. That is why the Haagse Parel is awarded annually: a distinction for companies that make a special contribution to The Hague’s economy and demonstrate engagement and initiative for the city. This year, there are again two categories: Exceptional Contribution and Impactful Circular Enterprise.
Exceptional Contribution
As in previous years, companies that make an exceptional contribution to The Hague’s economy in areas such as city promotion, employment, sustainability, social engagement, or innovation can register for the Exceptional Contribution category.
Impactful Circular Enterprise
The Impactful Circular Enterprise category is an award for companies focused on maximizing the reusability and minimizing the value destruction of raw materials. This category recognizes businesses that prioritize circular resources to create the greatest possible impact.
Prizes for Nominees and Winners
The six nominees will receive media exposure on Den Haag FM and assistance in creating a promotional video to gather public votes. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a LinkedIn training course to enhance their content strategy.
The winners of the Haagse Parel will receive the Haagse Parel Award and a cash prize of โฌ5,000 to support the growth of their business. The award will be presented during Den Haag Inspireert! on Friday, June 13th, an event that attracts approximately 750 entrepreneurs from The Hague. The winners will be invited on stage to share their stories with the audience. Additionally, winners will receive a one-year membership to VNO-NCW Regio Den Haag and MKB Den Haag, along with free admission tickets to the Mauritshuis.
The Jury and Public Voting
In each category, three companies will be selected from all submissions to compete for the Haagse Parel. These companies will be visited by the expert jury. This year’s jury includes:
The jury’s assessment will account for 60% of the final result, while 40% will be determined by public votes.
Registration Details
Registration is open from Monday, March 3rd to Monday, March 31st (10:00 AM) via www.haagseparel.nl. The nominees will be announced on Tuesday, April 22nd.
Save the Date: The Hague Inspires!
On Friday, June 13th, itโs happening โ The Hague Inspires!, the ultimate inspiration and networking event.
The Municipality of The Hague and the Economic Board The Hague invite you to a day full of inspiration and valuable connections.
The Hague Inspires! is an annual event for entrepreneurs and employers from The Hague and the surrounding region, where the city, the region, and the business community come together to look toward the future. Throughout the day, attendees will explore diverse themes, be inspired by new ideas, and be encouraged to make new connections. Collaboration and entrepreneurship are at the heart of the event!
During the event, the Municipality of The Hague will also present the Haagse Parels โ an annual award recognizing businesses and entrepreneurs who make a significant contribution to The Hague’s economy.
Details
| Wat | Den Haag Inspireert! |
| When | Friday, June 13, 2025 |
| Where | Fokker Terminal, Binckhorstlaan 249, The Hague |
Programma
| Walk-in & Inspiration Sessions | 1:30 PM โ 2:00 PM |
| Inspiration Session | 2:00 PM โ 3:00 PM |
| Walk-in Plenary Program | 3:00 PM โ 3:30 PM |
| Plenary Program | 3:30 PM โ 4:45 PM |
| Networking Reception | 4:45 PM โ 6:00 PM |
Mark your calendar โ more information will follow soon.
You can already register via the website: https://www.denhaaginspireert2025.nl/registreren/
Global Market Entry Program back by popular demand: Renewed and Expanded. This exclusive internationalisation program offers 20 SMEs and scale-ups in The Hague the opportunity to expand into Germany, France, or Denmark/Sweden with guidance from industry experts.
New and improved:
* A combination of strategic research and market validation, now featuring three brand-new modules.
* More municipalities: For the first time, the program is now open to innovative entrepreneurs from all 21 municipalities of the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region.
Will this be the year you take your business international? Sign up today for the Global Market Entry Program, spaces are limited to just 20 participants!
For registration and more information, visit: International Market Entry Coaching – Innovationquarter
For questions; get in contact with Elisa van Maanen-Gentzschย
This year, The Hague takes center stage as the host of one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings: the NATO Summit. Michiel Middendorf (World Forum The Hague) and Robert Dingjan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look and share their insights on the immense logistical, diplomatic, and security challenges.
“The world is much more tense today than it was ten years ago, and that makes logistics and security significantly more complex.” โ Robert Dingjan
๐ Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/d4q6cHcs
What will The Hague look like in 2050? What city do we want to be, and what choices will we make together to get there? On Saturday 1 February 2025, from 12.30 to 17.00, we invite you to discover The Hague’s Environmental Vision with us at the Fokker Terminal, Binckhorstlaan 249.
This vision was created with the valuable input of thousands of residents, entrepreneurs and experts. Together, we have sketched a future image of a city at home in a green metropolis by the sea.
What can you expect?
For residents, entrepreneurs, children and representatives of companies and organisations, there is a varied programme including:
– Inspiring presentations and exhibitions
– Interactive sessions and networking opportunities
– Creative activities for children
All made possible by involved partners such as Duurzaam Den Haag, Haags Verhaal, MKB Den Haag, the Johan de Wittgroep, and Vrouwen die bouwen uit Zuidwest.
Speakers during the plenary part:
– Alderman Robert van Asten
– Gil Penalosa, founder of 8 80 Cities and Cities for Everyone. Gil is a leading global voice on urban planning and inclusive cities. In 2023, he was voted one of Planetizen’s Top 100 most influential urban planners.
Click here for more information and to register โก๏ธ Het Haagse Verhaal – Het Haagse Verhaal
The Economic Board The Hague supports The Hague’s candidacy as the European Capital of Culture in 2033. Culture is a driver of broad prosperity and social cohesion. It attracts businesses, visitors, and residents, enriches our neighborhoods, and contributes to a sustainable future outlook.
This unique opportunity not only showcases the rich cultural identity of our city but also strengthens our international position and economic growth. With an anticipated economic impact of โฌ140 million in 2033 alone, this initiative demonstrates that culture and economy go hand in hand.
Read on to discover how this candidacy will strengthen The Hague not only in 2033 but also in the years leading up to it and the decades that follow!
