Noord-Holland Development Agency

We are dedicated to fostering innovation, enhancing High-tech, and driving sustainable growth to ensure a prosperous future for our region through international exchange and cooperation.

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Our aim is to brand Noord-Holland's top sectors.

The Noord-Holland Development Agency was created in 2003 and originally supported by Dr. J. van Kemenade, governor of Noord-Holland and its international affairs department. The initiative aimed to brand the top sectors from Noord-Holland province in cooperation with international stakeholders.

How we believe we can achieve this:

Bring entrepreneurs, knowledge centers, and government institutions together for innovative business development.
To enhance the visibility of Noord-Holland regional’s top sectors within an international context.
Informative support to foreign businesses’ investment in the region.
Organizing network events, branding, and advice on creating a dynamic economic environment.

Ambassadors & stakeholders

NHDA promotes the top sectors of Noord-Holland through branding, exchange, innovation, and cooperation. Our ambassadors of the top sectors are all leading innovators and/or entrepreneurs. NHDA also cooperates with international stakeholders. These are government agencies, education and knowledge institutions, leading corporations, and small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). It focuses on the seven top sectors represented by the ambassadors listed below. The ambassadors are specialists in these top sectors, and they support the goals of NHDA and are willing to share their knowledge and network for international exchange and cooperation.

Ambassadors

Twan Roubroeks

Fulco Wijdogen

Zhi-Sheng Huang

Johan Nijhof

Roland Brouwer

Bert Tjhie

Robert Passier

Ambassadors

Twan Roubroeks

Fulco Wijdogen

Zhi-Sheng Huang

Johan Nijhof

Roland Brouwer

Bert Tjhie

Robert Passier

Agrifood

Ambassador: Fulco Wijdoogen

Noord-Holland is a global leader in flower production and trade, particularly around Aalsmeer, home to the largest flower auction in the world. It is also leading in greenhouse horticulture: The region is known for its advanced greenhouse horticulture, producing vegetables, fruits, and flowers year-round. This vibrant economic activity drives local prosperity and contributes significantly to the Netherlands’ reputation as a leading player in the global horticultural market.

High-Tech and Innovation

Ambassador: Prof. Robert Passier

The High Tech and Innovation sector in Noord-Holland is a dynamic hub for cutting-edge technology and research, playing a crucial role in the region’s economic growth. This sector encompasses many industries, including IT, robotics, nanotechnology, and renewable energy. The various science parks in Noord-Holland, such as the Amsterdam Science Park and Techport in IJmuiden, serve as vital ecosystems for innovation, bringing together universities, research institutions, startups, and established companies. These parks provide state-of-the-art facilities, fostering collaboration and the commercialization of research. They are integral to driving advancements in AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies, positioning Noord-Holland as a leader in global innovation.

Sustainable Living Environment

Ambassador: Bert Tjhie

Amsterdam and its surrounding region aim to create a “sustainable living environment” supporting the well-being of its residents and visitors. They set a target to become carbon-neutral by 2050, with intermediate goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable urban planning. The key targets are:

Sustainable Building Practices: The city promotes sustainable construction and renovation practices to ensure that new buildings are energy-efficient and that existing buildings are retrofitted to reduce energy consumption.

Inclusive Housing: A key goal is to ensure that housing developments cater to all income levels and do not contribute to social segregation. Amsterdam aims to provide affordable, healthy living spaces for all residents.

Reduction of Air Pollution: improving air quality by reducing emissions from traffic, industry, and other sources. This includes promoting electric vehicles, expanding low-emission zones, and encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking.

Waste Management: transitioning to a circular economy where waste is minimized and reused or recycled materials, reducing single-use plastics, increasing recycling rates, and promoting sustainable consumption habits.

Waste Reduction: Initiatives to reduce household and industrial waste are in place, focusing on separating waste streams and composting organic waste.

Finance and Business Services

Ambassador: Twan Roubroeks

Amsterdam is a key financial center, home to numerous banks, insurance companies, and financial service providers. The city attracts many international business consultancy firms that provide professional services. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, now part of Euronext Amsterdam, is one of the world’s oldest and most influential stock exchanges.

Creative Industries

Ambassador: Johan Nijhoff

Noord-Holland is a hub for media companies, including television, film, and music industries, with a significant presence in Hilversum, known as the “media city.” The region is also a center for design and fashion, hosting numerous events and supporting a thriving creative community. It’s branding industry is a dynamic and innovative sector specializing in crafting powerful and memorable brand identities. The industry combines creativity with strategic thinking to develop branding solutions that resonate with target audiences across diverse markets. From logo design and brand messaging to digital marketing and brand experience.

Logistics and Infrastructure

Ambassador: Roland Brouwer

Port of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s largest ports, crucial in trade and logistics, handling a wide range of goods. Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, it serves as a primary international gateway and a critical logistics hub.

Amsterdam’s robust digital infrastructure and fast and reliable connections make it an easy place to start, adapt or grow a business at the gateway to Europe.

Data and Cyber Security

Ambassador: Prof. Zhi-Sheng Huang

Noord-Holland’s data and cyber security sector is a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary division focused on protecting digital assets, securing data, and mitigating cyber threats for both the public and private sectors. This sector emphasizes a holistic approach that combines advanced technology, human expertise, and regulatory compliance to create a robust security framework.

Stakeholders

These are government agencies, education and research institutions, leading corporations, Small and Medium Sized Companies (SME’s)

North Holland’s economy is characterized by its diversity and innovation, supported by a strong infrastructure, strategic location, and a highly skilled workforce. The top-sectors collectively contribute to the province’s economic vitality and global competitiveness.

Contact & meet us

Meeting address:
Capital C Amsterdam
Weesperplein 4, 1018 XA Amsterdam