How do we all profit from a strong, regional economy?

The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is a major driver of the Dutch economy and one of the most prosperous regions in the world. For companies, employees, job starters and students it is an attractive place to settle. Much progress has been made in the past decade. Earning power increased, particulate matter emissions fell sharply between 2012 and 2022 (also relative to the Netherlands). Renewable energy generation has increased.

At the same time, for further sustainability, much more effort remains necessary to still meet the set targets. Despite their decline, particulate matter emissions remain relatively large. In addition, not everyone benefits equally from favourable economic developments. A strong economy does not automatically lead to increased inclusive prosperity.

Read more about the Economische Verkenningen MRA 2024 (in Dutch).

Moving towards set goals

If we want to achieve inclusive prosperity in our region, it is important to have a shared picture of what a future-proof economy should look like. And also: why we want to commit to this. So that we’re in agreement about sharing the scarcity. And commit to the task and get to work. With clear choices about who does what and how. Offering targeted investments to make this possible. When all that is clear, we can start initiatives, which contribute to this mission. And move towards concrete objectives.

That was an important call of the panel with Prof. Henri de Groot (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), Arjan Heyma (SEO Economic Research), Abel d’Ailly (Ministry of Economic Affairs), Sofyan Mbarki (councillor of the City of Amsterdam and chairman of our Agenda Committee) and Jessica Peters-Hondelink (executive director of the Amsterdam Economic Board) during the presentation of the report in the OBA library.

Network Amsterdam Economic Board

The unique regional network of the Amsterdam Economic Board, with companies, knowledge institutions, governments and civil society organisations has an important role in this. So that we have a clear vision of our goals, make choices with the network and start working concretely on those objectives. Our partners are in the lead for this. We’re currently working with the network on developing a shared picture of that desired future economy. In September, for example, we will explore this future in various sectors with our Network Council.

“Collective leadership is the key to getting this done. Leaders who have the guts to rise above themselves. Collectively taking the pain, be willing to choose what benefits others. Listening to the voice of dissent, to the younger generation. A little less from annotations and more from the heart.”

– Jessica Peters-Hondelink

The report shows that the local distance to the region’s residents is much shorter and there is a need for guidance. Starting on a local scale in the subregions to get that new economy going, is important. Taking advantage of new perspectives in other places, establishing other forms of collaboration and harnessing the power of commons, for example. Would you like to know how we are working locally to build a future-proof energy system? And how we are experimenting with new economic models?

How to choose?

Learn how we’re making targeted choices and work together as a network to build a future-proof economy. You too can participate!

Header photo: Daniel Sylla