Randstad Holland, in the western part of the Netherlands, has long defined the face of the Netherlands. The four major Dutch cities, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, are in the Randstad. Nowadays, this region is also the hub of the Netherlands’ major economic activities and international connections. This European region, with its variety of urban environments for businesses, is the driving force of the Dutch economy.

Twelve local and regional authorities are working, within the framework of the formal co-operation Regio Randstad, to strengthen even further the region’s international competitive position. They are focusing on the quality of housing, jobs, physical and digital connections and the quality of the surroundings. The regional authorities are working on these areas in collaboration with the Dutch Government.

People can sometimes be dismissive of statistical data but policy forming without good data is much worse. The Randstad authorities have therefore taken the initiative to produce an annual Randstad monitor. The monitor can be used to follow the development of the economy and quality of life in ‘Holland’ and to link that development to 19 comparable European urban regions1. The policymakers in the Netherlands and in Randstad Holland will be able to see from the monitor what effects their decisions have. This will lead to an efficient allocation of resources and manpower in a strong and liveable Randstad Holland.

The four largest cities in the Randstad each have their own profile: 

Overall, the following can be said about the Randstad Region: 

Regio Randstad
Phone: +31 30 258 27 05
info@regiorandstad.com

01/02/2006

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Competitiveness