Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Amsterdam Economic Board stimulates partnerships working on the smart, green and healthy metropolis of tomorrow.
We accelerate innovation that contributes to solutions for the major social issues of today and tomorrow, for use within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and beyond.
The Amsterdam Economic Board focuses on topics that are important to residents of the metropolis: responsible use of data and technology, a sustainable and healthy living environment and meaningful work for everyone.
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The Amsterdam Economic Board is the prime network of organisations building the metropolis of tomorrow.
The Amsterdam Economic Board works with hundreds of organisations in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Our partners are leading the way on the road to a new economy. They include businesses, universities, schools and research institutions, municipalities, provinces, and civil society organisations – organisations of all sizes.
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The Amsterdam Economic Board stimulates cooperation on the smart, green and healthy metropolis of tomorrow.
We work to achieve our goals by means of initiatives and three programmes by engaging with relevant partners on pressing issues.
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The Amsterdam Economic Board initiates and accelerates cooperation (booster), builds and maintains networks (connector) and initiates networks on the topics of tomorrow (agenda-setter).
The organisation works with Board members, the members of the Network Council and other parties from the region on the smart, green and healthy metropolis of tomorrow.
Everyone’s part is crucial: businesses function as innovators and pioneers, academia and research institutions provide essential brainpower, and local authorities are indispensable as investors, regulators and buyers.
The starting point is always the mobilisation of energy, ownership and executive power within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
Within our network, we are working to achieve our ambitions by focusing on concrete initiatives and programmes. That is the core of our work.
We drive promising initiatives in the region, which have the potential for further implementation and scaling up, with parties from our network taking the lead.
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Our Board consists of leading administrators from academia and research, members of company boards as well as alderpersons and mayors from the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Together, they formulate the Amsterdam Economic Board’s strategy. Taking into account the ambitions for our themes and the programmes TechConnect, House of Skills and Amsterdam Smart City. This is how we are working towards a smart, green and healthy metropolis of tomorrow.
Board members steer the strategic economic discussion about the region of the future. Furthermore, they commit to one or more initiatives and deploy resources, expertise and networks to achieve these ambitions.
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140 members of the Network Council actively contribute to achieving the region’s ambitions. Together with other partners, they actively contribute to the Amsterdam Economic Board’s initiatives and/or programmes. These in turn contribute to making the region an attractive place to live and work – and maintaining that status. Furthermore, they take part in discussions on topics that are on our Board’s agenda. Their social involvement in the region is of great importance. Together, they are building a smart, healthy and green metropolis of tomorrow. If you would like to become a member, click here. [link: amsterdameconomicboard.com/en/become-a-member]
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Young on Board is a member of our Board and acts as a bridge between young change makers and experienced decision-makers on the Board. Young people look, think and work differently, whereas the older generation has the connections, knowledge, experience and ability to achieve results.
Bringing the two together enables them to inspire each other and realise innovative plans, working together on the economic growth and quality of life of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
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The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area comprises 32 municipalities, the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland, and the Amsterdam Transport Authority (Vervoerregio Amsterdam). The region is known for its high quality of life, featuring attractive amenities, good public transport and a relatively highly educated population. To further strengthen this position despite an increasing population, there is a constant need for innovation. We tackle the most urgent metropolitan problems in the areas where we have the expertise, knowledge and human resources to really make a difference.
Check the infographic about our work in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
The Amsterdam Economic Board stimulates cooperation for the smart, green and healthy metropolis of tomorrow.
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The Amsterdam Economic Board focuses on themes that are important to residents of the metropolis: responsible use of data and technology, a sustainable and healthy living environment and meaningful work for everyone. Parties in the region want to work together to implement concrete programmes and initiatives around these themes. In addition, we respond to urgent issues that belong on the agenda of our network’s decision-makers.
The Amsterdam Economic Board was established in 2010 by companies, universities and research institutes, and authorities from the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area with the aim of sustainably boosting the region’s economy. The KennisKring Amsterdam foundation – established in 1994 to develop the regional knowledge infrastructure – and Amsterdamse Innovatie Motor (AIM) were the forerunners. The KennisKring launched the AIM project in 2004. In August 2006, AIM became a foundation and operated as an independent organisation. AIM – independent since 2006 – focused on strengthening the innovation climate for government, academia and industry. The foundation launched initiatives in which these parties and civil society organisations worked together.
The characteristics of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area are ideally suited to respond to a rapidly changing world:
- Sufficient critical mass of business activity (large/small) relevant to cooperation on these metropolitan challenges;
- A large concentration of (small) innovative companies that can develop (and market) new products and services;
- A strong scientific knowledge base on these metropolitan issues;
- A cooperative local authority that uses the right instruments to enable innovation;
- The presence of a strong physical and digital infrastructure;
- Active citizens’ initiatives that are open to innovation.
The aim is to take major steps towards a smart, green and healthy Amsterdam Metropolis by 2040. In a rapidly changing world, the route towards this goal cannot be predicted. The Amsterdam Economic Board is mapping uncertainties and transitions to respond flexibly as a region. The themes and initiatives can therefore change over time if this offers opportunities or is necessary for the region.
The Amsterdam Economic Board is funded by the business community, universities and research institutes, and authorities from the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
No, we focus on the entire Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA). This area spans from IJmuiden to Lelystad and from Purmerend to Haarlemmermeer.
View an infographic about the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
We do not provide funding for projects ourselves.
Board members are invited. We strive in our Board for an equal balance between members from the business community, academia and government. You are more than welcome to actively participate in our community in other ways, for example by joining the Network Council.
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No, the members work towards a strong regional economy on a voluntary basis.
The Amsterdam Economic Board is an autonomous foundation. It represents the 32 municipalities in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Economic Board is partly financed by municipalities in the region.
The Amsterdam Economic Board works closely with other knowledge and innovation regions, such as Brainport Regio Eindhoven, and with other Economic Boards, such as those in Utrecht and Zuid-Holland. Together, we are committed to the Netherlands.
The Agenda Committee consists of mandated Board members and fulfills the role of supervisory body for the Amsterdam Economic Board Foundation on behalf of the Board, including financial supervision. They supervise the implementation of policy. In addition, the committee advises management and leads and strategists on the execution of activities within our themes.
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Want to learn more about – or get involved in – our initiatives and programmes? Are you interested to join our Network Council? Or would you like to be involved in another way in working toward the smart, green and healthy Metropolis of Tomorrow?
Contact our team.