Our Board Members in the Spotlight: This is Gijsbert van Herk

13th March 2025

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 it’s 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. That’s 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 shouldn’t 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.