Zuid-Holland is the engine of the Dutch economy, but faces major challenges. The most densely populated province in the Netherlands has a versatile economy with the labor market as its Achilles heel. 'With the right vision, we can link growth with social prosperity and climate goals,' say professors Frank van Oort and Martijn Burger in the new white paper by Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities.
The new edition of collaborating scientists was presented by Wim van den Doel, Dean of Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities, to Deputy Meindert Stolk on 15 December 2025, in the Provincial Government Building in The Hague. Prior to this, Frank van Oort gave an introduction to the white paper and highlighted the different areas of knowledge of the collaborating universities.
How will Zuid-Holland earn its money in the future?
The central question in this paper is: how will Zuid-Holland earn its money in the future and how will it achieve the sustainable and social transitions that are necessary to remain competitive? Scientists from the three universities and external partners contributed to the publication.
'Perfect place for a transition hub'
The researchers see opportunities for a renewed economy in the transitions. 'The region wants to make the transition to a clean and sustainable economy, but is under strong international pressure,' says port economist Larissa van der Lugt (Erasmus University Rotterdam). She talked to industrial ecologist Arnold Tukker (Leiden University): 'Zuid-Holland can be the perfect place for a transition hub.'
'The disappearance of companies also offers opportunities'
According to economist Robert Dur (Erasmus University Rotterdam), change can even have a positive effect on the labour market: 'The disappearance of companies offers opportunities in the tight labour market – provided we manage to attract talent,' adds Paul de Hek (SEOR). That talent is also needed for growth in AI, quantum and biotechnology, says Zenlin Roosenboom-Kwee (TU Delft). 'Zuid-Holland is particularly strong in these areas.'
'Protecting ourselves and becoming a guiding region'
Climate and spatial issues are a major challenge for Zuid-Holland. 'But we can protect ourselves and become a guide region for other deltas,' say Tatiana Filatova (TU Delft) and Mark Thissen (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency). Tom Daamen (TU Delft) and Gert-Joost Peek (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences) see opportunities to make smarter use of space through the energy transition.
The international perspective is not lacking in the paper. For example, economist Wouter Jacobs compares Zuid-Holland with Singapore and mentions an important success factor of the Asian city-state: 'Government officials in Singapore work very intensively with companies.'
'Everyone is in favour of equal opportunities, but not about how to achieve them'
Collaboration remains crucial, according to public administration expert Sarah Giest (Leiden University) and Jean-Christophe Spapens (Province of South Holland): 'Organising decision-making power is essential for successful economic policy.' And that policy should affect everyone, economists Lieke Beekers (Leiden University) and Hans van Kippersluis (Erasmus University Rotterdam) emphasize: 'Everyone is in favour of equal opportunities, but not everyone agrees on how to achieve them.'
The white paper thus provides a broad picture of the Zuid-Holland economy and cases from the Municipality of The Hague, Leiden Bio Science Park, QuTech and LeQuest bring the knowledge to life. Insights are linked to concrete and realistic advice for policymakers and administrators. Anton Duisterwinkel of InnovationQuarter shows: 'Innovation can only help us move forward with a stick and a carrot.'
Download the white paper via the link below. Do you want to receive a copy? Send an email to Katja Hoiting: k.hoiting@tudelft.nl. All interviews from the white paper will be translated in English and appear at this site.
