The major transitions of our time were on the agenda: from energy to education, from circular work to the jobs of the future. What unites our board members is the belief that we can take on these tasks only if we tackle them together – as a collective.

View all photos from this 24-hour event.

In conversations and pitches from executives, entrepreneurs, scientists and young changemakers, the same questions kept recurring:

• How do we strengthen our collective innovative strength?
• How do we increase our resilience in an uncertain world?
• With a focus on competitiveness and inclusive prosperity, how do we build a future-proof economy?

Board members did not only look at our own region, but also across borders: interregional, national and transatlantic. Connecting with other regions and national policies creates a stronger, more coherent story. This strengthens our joint position in the Netherlands and Europe.

National investment agenda

After reflecting on what we have achieved together over the past year, board members entered into a conversation with Tjerk Opmeer, Director of Innovation & Knowledge and plv DG of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. About national innovation policy and regional contributions to our competitiveness. We also talked about the decisive process of Peter Wennink around the creation of the national investment agenda and how we contribute to this.

Safety and resilience

We were also inspired by entrepreneur Saman Mohammadi, who talked about his innovative approach and leadership, which focuses on the fusion of interests. Anna van Zoest, Director of the Netherlands Atlantic Association, discussed international developments around security, trade and values. It is really up to us as Europe to work on our own sustainable earning power and resilience. This requires a new strong collective story. And that is what we are going to work on in the coming period.

Two regions, one ambition

The dinner with Economic Board Zuid-Holland was a source of new connections and fruitful cooperation between North and South Holland. It was inspiring to see how much energy is released when people are willing to think beyond their own perspective. Therein lies the essence of collective leadership. Two regions, one ambition: working together on an innovative, resilient and future-proof economy.