Rik Bleeker, Stichting KennisKring Amsterdam

Jan Siersma, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The OECD Review team in Amsterdam presented the results of its review in February 2010. Key conclusions were: many different activities and great potential but no common vision, supply and demand between higher education institutions and business out of sync and a lack of direction and strategic leadership. Following the report, a process was started that led to the installation of an Economic Development Board for the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region in November 2010. The Board is made up of experts from trade & industry and higher education and research institutes, as well as representatives of regional governments. The new Board’s first assignment is to develop a knowledge and innovation agenda in a number of key areas in which the higher education and research institutes are connected to the region’s economic agenda. The purpose of this agenda is to give the regional economy a boost and to make Amsterdam into an attractive location for business in Europe.