On Friday 13 June 2025, the Fokker Terminal once again became a hub of vision and connection during The Hague Inspires – the annual event where enterprising minds from The Hague come together to look ahead. Organised by the Economic Board The Hague and the Municipality of The Hague, in collaboration with VNO-NCW region The Hague, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland The Hague, MKB The Hague, Stichting Bedrijventerreinen Haaglanden and Rabobank, the event brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, policymakers and innovators for a day full of insights, inspiration and strengthened networks.
This year’s edition focused explicitly on social and economic resilience. In a world marked by geopolitical instability, digital threats, and structural labour market shortages, it is essential that entrepreneurs not only respond to change but also learn to anticipate it. The Hague Inspires 2025 gave the stage to innovators, strategists and bold thinkers who addressed these challenges from multiple perspectives.
The afternoon began with a wide range of inspiration sessions, where participants engaged in discussions on topics such as the new generation, working with freelancers, virtual reality, AI, social entrepreneurship, smart security, and business opportunities for impactful enterprise. As tradition dictates, attendees also had the opportunity to connect with The Hague’s major employers at the Top Tables.
Hosted by Frida Boeke, the plenary session explored the broader topic of resilience from various angles. Experts challenged the audience to think outside the box.
Admiral Rob Bauer, former Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, held up a mirror to the audience in his address, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Bauer warned against the naïve belief that conflicts remain distant and called on entrepreneurs to significantly enhance their resilience: “Preparing for war is, in essence, a form of corporate responsibility. It makes your company stronger, your supply chain more robust, and your people more aware.”
Bart Götte set the tone with his sharp analysis of the 2025–2035 labour market transition. He called for radical collaboration and the abandonment of outdated models to tackle structural scarcity.
Cybersecurity expert Inge Bryan spoke on strategic data security, international supply chains, and cybercrime: “Raise the cost attackers must pay to reach us. Take better care of your IT and data – and hack them back.”
Job Kuijpers, CEO of Eye Security, shared an optimistic and pragmatic view on cyber resilience: “Amid digital chaos lies the opportunity to regain control.”
The presentation of the 2025 Hague Pearls was once again part of the programme. This entrepreneurial award recognises outstanding contributions to The Hague. Alderman Nur Icar presented the awards to the winners: Nelis and Yespers.
Nelis won in the category: Exceptional Contribution
At Nelis Company, social entrepreneurship is at the core of everything they do. Customers appreciate the process behind the product, staff show genuine engagement, and values are instilled that go far beyond the workplace. Here, people are not just given one but sometimes three chances to rejoin society.
Yespers won in the category: Impactful Circular Enterprise
At Yespers, circular thinking is the common thread. Every part of the apple finds a purpose – from pip to core. But the chain itself is also cleverly designed: fair prices for growers, increased returns, reduced waste. An inspiring example of how things can be done differently – and better.
The Hague Inspires 2025 demonstrated that entrepreneurs need not merely endure the future – they can help shape it. By focusing on collaboration, resilience, and innovation, we are collectively building a more robust economic future for The Hague.
The Economic Board The Hague and the Municipality of The Hague look back on a successful edition – and warmly invite you to the next event in 2026.
