by THOLEditor | May 29, 2026 | Business, Economy, News
Social Capital and Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen are this year’s winners of the Haagse Parel. The Haagse Parel is a municipal award for companies and individuals who make a special contribution to the Hague economy. There are two categories. Social Capital, a social staffing agency that helps people with a structural need for guidance find sustainable paid work in the hospitality sector, is the winner in the ‘Exceptional Contribution’ category. In the ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ category, Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen, where authentic building materials are given a second life, took home the entrepreneur award.
Alderman Nur Icar (SMEs, Employment and Participation) announced the winner of the ‘Exceptional Contribution’ category. Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Energy Transition, Mobility and Raw Materials) presented the award to the winner of the ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ category. In addition to the Haagse Parel, both winners were presented with a cheque for 5,000 euros, which can be used to grow their businesses.
“The Hague has a huge number of entrepreneurs who are significant to their neighborhood, contribute to employment, or make a social impact in other ways. Social Capital is a wonderful example of this: they make a difference for people by giving them a chance to develop towards employment. It is wonderful to reflect on this today with the presentation of the Haagse Parel!”, says Icar.
Kapteijns: “Many entrepreneurs are active in our city who demonstrate that sustainability is simply possible. Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen truly stands out. They give used building materials a new life and show that circularity doesn’t have to be complicated, but rather smart, creative, and absolutely necessary. Through what they do, we save raw materials and energy, and they inspire other entrepreneurs to also pay attention to sustainability. That is why this Hague Gem is more than well-deserved.”
Three nominees
There were three nominees per category. They were announced at the end of April, after which the public could vote for their favorite company. The three contenders in the ‘Exceptional Contribution’ category were Apotheek Pillen en Praten, Eye Security, and Social Capital. Hubbel Stadslogistiek, Seepje, and Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen were nominated in the ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ category.
Public and jury votes
The final result was determined for 40% by the more than 3,500 public votes. The remaining 60% was determined by the expert jury. This consisted of Harry Wientjens (Economic Board The Hague), Pieter Scholten (MKB Den Haag), Karima el Bouchtaoui (VNO-NCW region The Hague), Stefan Baecke (Yespers, winner of the Haagse Parel ‘Impactful Circular Enterprise’ 2025) and Daan Krijger (Nelis Company, winner of the Haagse Parel ‘Exceptional Contribution’ 2025).
The Hague Inspires!
The Entrepreneurship Award was presented during Den Haag Inspireert!, the entrepreneur and employer event organized by the Economic Board The Hague and the Municipality of The Hague. In addition to the presentation of the Haagse Parel, the program consisted of bringing together entrepreneurs, government officials, educational institutions, and other organizations from the region. During the event, themes such as AI, labor market development, and entrepreneurship took center stage, featuring inspiration sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities.
Photographer: Michel Mees
Photo caption: Aldermen Icar and Kapteijns with Social Capital and Mammoet Oude Bouwmaterialen, the winners of the Haagse Parel 2026
by THOLEditor | Dec 2, 2025 | Beyond The Hague, Business, Economy, News
1.7 million euros for innovation, business park and connection between education and the labor market
A city broker helps companies find suitable locations in the Delft Innovation District or elsewhere in the region. An immersive experience lab where port employees can practice safely loading and unloading hazardous materials in a simulated VR environment. These are two examples of seven projects to which the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH) awarded grants this month. The investment totals €1.7 million.
The goal is to create jobs and strengthen the region’s appeal. This requires economic and technological innovation. The 21 municipalities, as the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region, are collaborating intensively with knowledge institutions and businesses. This will create a sustainable, prosperous, and attractive region for residents and businesses.
Saskia Bruines, chair of the MRDH Economic Business Climate Executive Committee: “We can only strengthen the regional economy through intensive collaboration. Together, we can increase job opportunities, provide entrepreneurs with more space, and make optimal use of scarce physical space. That’s why we’re joining forces with 21 municipalities and making this investment as a Metropolitan Region. This will support a vibrant economy for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, and enjoys recreation here.”
Project contributions
Improving the connection between education and the labor market
Regional Innovation Hub for Immersive Technology in Rotterdam (450,195 euros)
This innovation hub in Katoenhuis, in Rotterdam’s Merwe-Vierhavens area (M4H), forms the heart of the regional Immersive Tech ecosystem. It serves as a central meeting place for educational institutions, businesses, knowledge partners, and government agencies active in the field of Immersive Tech. With this, the MRDH is taking an important step towards a better qualified and educated workforce in the region and improving the connection between education and the labor market.
Innovation and SMEs
Innovation hub Visafslag Scheveningen in The Hague (90,000 euros)
In the port of Scheveningen (formerly the Visafslag), a 2,000 m² development space will become available in early 2026 for educational institutions and businesses in the blue economy. With this contribution, the involved parties will begin exploring the possibilities of creating a practical space, a living lab, for water-related applications.
Quantum Ecosystem South Holland (225,000 euros)
The quantum ecosystem in South Holland, with Quantum Delft as an international hotspot, will continue in 2026-2028. After a successful initial phase, hubs in Leiden and Delft have intensified their collaboration and two quantum communication networks have been established. The new phase focuses on supporting startups, connecting with end users, attracting talent, and strengthening connections with national initiatives like Quantum NL.
Delft Innovation District (398,955 euros)
The Delft Innovation District combines the TU Delft Campus, Schieoevers, and Delftechpark into a dynamic area with knowledge institutions, field labs, startups, and scale-ups. Delft serves as an incubator for companies contributing to transitions in energy, mobility, digitalization, and sustainability. With the Delft Innovation District project – more broadly connected to the region – Delft is working on three pillars: connecting growing companies with locations in the metropolitan region through the deployment of a city broker; redeveloping business parks into future-proof work locations for innovative manufacturing; and strengthening communities through networking activities and a digital platform.
Space for work
The MRDH is investing in three projects that contribute to a smarter and more sustainable use of existing industrial estates.
Better Utilization of Industrial Estates in East Barendrecht (200,000 euros)
The municipality of Barendrecht is working to create a future-proof business park in Barendrecht-Oost. The project focuses on improved spatial utilization, sustainability, and stronger connections with the surrounding area, including the development of the Stationstuinen and Nieuw-Reijerwaard areas. The MRDH grant will enable the development of a program and action plan to strengthen the site within the Dutch Fresh Port cluster.
Space for Direction – Vlaardingen (186,074 euros)
In Vlaardingen, the municipality is using leasehold as a means to better utilize industrial estates and improve spatial quality. A three-year pilot program at three industrial estates in Vlaardingen is investigating how leasehold conditions, data, and enforcement contribute to improved spatial utilization. The MRDH supports this initiative because it contributes to more efficient use of industrial estates and a more attractive business climate.
Exploration of the Working Landscape – Nissewaard (155,634 euros)
In Nissewaard, the municipality is exploring how it can provide space for businesses seeking to grow or establish themselves in the region. This project addresses the growing demand for commercial space on the Left Bank of the Meuse.
Photo: SenseGlove production in Katoenhuis – credit Boudewijn Bollmann.
More information: https://mrdh.nl/power-partnership-0
by THOLEditor | Nov 29, 2025 | Economy, News
The Hague’s economy grew faster than the national average in 2024. This is according to the fifth edition of the State of the Hague Economy , presented recently by the municipality of The Hague.
Further growth in earning capacity, population, and employment is also expected in the coming years. This year’s annual independent monitor was written by a group of researchers and academics from institutions including Erasmus University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
The monitor shows that The Hague remains attractive to residents, students, and entrepreneurs. Unemployment is relatively low, the population is growing, and there are many start-ups, particularly in sectors that align with the city’s profile, such as law, impact, digital security, and ICT. The city’s knowledge base is also expanding thanks to the establishment of South Holland universities.
Labor productivity remains low
At the same time, the study indicates that the long-term resilience of The Hague’s economy is under pressure. The labor market is tight and suffers from a mismatch between supply and demand. Furthermore, a large proportion of jobs in The Hague are in service-oriented and labor-intensive sectors, such as government, education, healthcare, culture, and business services. These sectors are crucial to the city’s functioning, but their low labor productivity could hinder future economic growth. Innovation, education, and technological support are essential to keep these sectors future-proof.
Power of the region
In the monitor, the researchers emphasize that the region is becoming increasingly important to The Hague’s economic strength. Many employees live outside the city limits, and businesses and knowledge institutions in surrounding municipalities complement The Hague’s economy. By collaborating even more effectively with neighboring municipalities, The Hague can benefit more from joint growth and innovations in the region.
Alderwoman Saskia Bruines is pleased with the economic growth, but emphasizes that there are also areas for improvement: “The Hague is vibrant and growing. With the significant presence of the national government, a thriving cultural sector, and numerous international organizations, we truly have a unique profile. This research shows that we must remain vigilant. A strong economy requires space for businesses, innovation, and talent. Consistent policy from the national government is essential to attract investment and businesses. We remain fully committed to a city where everyone can find work, where entrepreneurs have the space they need, and where everyone can benefit from economic growth.”
Alderman Nur Icar (SMEs, Employment) adds: “To address the mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market, it’s important that we facilitate opportunities for residents in the areas of retraining and upskilling. By investing in the development of our residents, we also directly contribute to innovation in The Hague’s SME sector and thus to the economy of The Hague as a whole. Naturally, improving business services will also remain our focus.”
Limited physical space
The researchers also highlight the vulnerability of the knowledge economy. Although The Hague boasts strong clusters, the growth of knowledge-intensive sectors is lagging behind. Foreign investment is declining, and The Hague is spatially constrained, leaving little physical space for businesses to expand or innovate.
Prof. Dr. Frank van Oort (Erasmus University Rotterdam): “Economic growth is beneficial, but according to the monitor, it doesn’t immediately translate into broad prosperity. Structural collaboration on this remains necessary. Finding a good balance between economic earning capacity, sustainability, and social challenges is characteristic of many large cities. “
The monitor and the scientific review can be read here .
Text & Image: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online
by THOLEditor | Oct 18, 2023 | Business, Economy, Features
ImpactFest 2022
ImpactCity will bring together two thousand impact makers from around the world in The Hague for the eighth edition of ImpactFest on 7 November 2023 . Startups, scale-ups, investors, knowledge institutes, companies, policymakers and other passionate individuals working towards a sustainable, inclusive, and fair economy will get together to tackle global challenges.
A programme focused on collaboration
Organisations such as B-Lab, New Optimist, True Price, the Young Climate Movement, Oxfam Novib, Willicroft, and NL Space Campus have already pledged a role in the programme. Climate activist Aniek Moonen, Marije Klomp who was elected CSR Manager of the Year, and Bert van Son, founder of Mud Jeans and named Circular Hero 2023, are also part of the programme.
Jasmine Anouna, founder and CEO of The Bloom, a global community of 30,000 social impact professionals, and SDG Goalkeeper at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will open the programme. Sofie van den Enk, known from the ‘Keuringsdienst van Waarde’, chairs the day.
From talk shows to meetups and roundtable discussions, all sessions will focus on four main themes: Energy & Oceans, Food & Agriculture, Climate Justice and Circular Economy & Resources.
A few of the highlights are:
- Meet frontrunners in the impact economy: Opportunity to meet pioneers in the impact economy who dare to step beyond boundaries and bring new ideas to life.
- Get the latest news from the impact economy: Impact entrepreneurs have the chance to launch their new product, showcase sustainable innovation or announce news. For example, a book will be launched on steward ownership, focusing on the company’s mission rather than profit maximisation.
- Find out what leading impact investors are looking for: The tables have turned. Fourteen investors, including big names such as Invest-NL, DRK Foundation and DOEN Participations, pitch their favourite business plan to (potential) impact entrepreneurs to create successful collaborations.
- Get insight into the latest trends in impact: In collaboration with Dealroom, ImpactCity is launching the ‘State of Impact’. A report that shows, among other things, where the most impact companies are growing and which topics are most invested in. Additionally, during the four talk shows, visitors will be updated by experts on current trends and innovations related to one of the main themes.
- Get in-depth during a meetup or roundtable discussion: How do we ensure that circularity becomes the new norm and the friction with profitability disappears? As an impact company, how do you engage top talent and how do we empower Generation Z? How can you get the B Corp label? With no fewer than 45 meetups and 38 roundtable discussions, a wide variety of topics will be covered.
You can find the full programme and order tickets at www.impactfest.nl/program.
ImpactFest 2022
About ImpactCity and ImpactFest
ImpactCity is one of Europe’s leading ecosystems for organisations that combine ‘doing good and doing business’. With ImpactCity, the Municipality of The Hague facilitates entrepreneurs and other impact makers with innovative solutions when starting and scaling up their businesses.
ImpactFest started in 2016 as an annual event where the ImpactCity ecosystem can meet in a casual festival atmosphere. It has grown into an international must-attend event in the world of impact.
Initiator ImpactCity organises the event together with the Municipality of The Hague, Unknown Group and KplusV. ImpactFest is supported by the Province of South Holland, Rabobank, Oxfam Novib, DOEN Foundation, Clockwise and B Lab.
Images & Text provided by ImpactFest
