Economic Board The Hague (EBTH) endorses the national appeal for a coherent and future-proof talent policy recently issued by Economic Boards Netherlands. Through this joint statement, the regional boards call for an integrated and structural approach to talent development in the Netherlands. The appeal was signed on behalf of Economic Boards Netherlands in close consultation with all affiliated regional boards, including Economic Board The Hague.
A strong and coherent talent policy is essential to the future earning capacity of regions, to their innovative strength, and to strengthening the business climate. Particularly in a time of labour market shortages, rapid technological developments and major societal transitions, it is crucial to keep talent development high on the public and administrative agenda.
Talent as the Foundation for Broad Prosperity
For the The Hague region, talent development is inseparably linked to economic and societal progress. The Hague’s economy is characterised by strong clusters in areas such as peace and justice, cybersecurity, energy, impact, and public administration. These sectors require highly educated, agile and internationally oriented talent.
Within Economic Board The Hague, the domain of education and talent is firmly embedded. Leiden University, represented by Erwin Muller, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, represented by Elisabeth Minneman, make active and substantive contributions to the board. Thanks in part to their involvement and expertise, EBTH is keenly aware of the strategic importance of a coherent approach to education, the labour market and regional development.
The connection between educational institutions, employers and government is crucial in this regard. A future-proof talent policy requires collaboration across sectors and levels of government, with attention to both initial education and lifelong learning, international talent flows and inclusive labour market opportunities.
Call for Coherence and a Long-Term Vision
Through this national appeal, innovative start-ups and scale-ups, established companies, knowledge institutions and sector organisations call on the national government to develop a coherent talent policy. Economic Board The Hague supports this call and remains committed to strong regional cooperation around education and talent. Only with a clear long-term vision and shared responsibility can the Netherlands – and the The Hague region in particular – sustainably strengthen its competitiveness and broad prosperity.
Read the Appeal for a Coherent and Future-Proof Talent Policy (in Dutch) here.
