Amsterdam Innovates for People

Amsterdam Innovates

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Europe are facing significant economic and societal challenges. The world around us is changing rapidly: technological breakthroughs, climate change, an ageing population and geopolitical uncertainty all call for new solutions. Only when businesses, research institutions, social organisations and government all work together can we preserve our prosperity and wellbeing, and strengthen our economic position.

The DNA of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the birthplace of humanism and entrepreneurship, and has harnessed the power of innovation for centuries. In the seventeenth century, the Marineterrein was an incubator for ship design; in the nineteenth century, the city led the way in water management; and a century and a half later, the first transatlantic email was sent from here. Innovation is in the DNA of Amsterdammers: entrepreneurial, creative, curious, and bold.

Amsterdam's businesses, research, education and cultural institutions build on a long history of technological, medical and social innovation. This enables the city to offer a broad range of facilities - including quality education, accessible healthcare and a cultural climate - that lay the foundations for a healthy, vibrant and innovative city where residents can grow and develop, and which attracts both national and international talent.

Our Focus

To make the most of Amsterdam's innovative capacity, research, education and cultural institutions and businesses are working together under one banner. Within this collaborative framework, we focus on several themes. These are areas in which Amsterdam has a proven track record. They are therefore the focus areas in which we collaborate - within the city, with partners across the region, and beyond.

Technological & Social

We work on both technological and social innovation. Collaboration between university, higher vocational and further education institutions, knowledge holders and (international) talent within businesses gives rise to new combinations and technological cross-overs with social and economic value. These parties meet one another at Amsterdam's innovation districts - key hubs where the knowledge economy clusters and where connections are forged with innovation hubs and knowledge-intensive businesses across the wider metropolitan region.

Moving Forward Together

Amsterdam's strength lies in collaboration, diversity and courage. By pushing boundaries and connecting disciplines, we create economic and social value.

Amsterdam Innovates for People is our shared commitment to continued investment in innovation that places people and enterprise at its heart. What is created here has significance far beyond the city's boundaries. Strengthening innovation means building the future.