The Hague innovation hubs launch joint action agenda
A consortium of semi-public and private parties will work together to turn innovation into new businesses, jobs, and practical solutions for the city.
Five innovation hubs in The Hague have joined forces to strengthen the city’s economy. Unknown Group, Security Delta (HSD), Campus@Sea, The Hague Tech, and The Hague Humanity Hub have presented a shared action agenda focused on scaling innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating jobs.
Stronger together: from established hubs to a shared agenda
The Hague has established innovation networks in peace, justice, security, technology, and the maritime sector. Until now, these networks have largely focused on their respective fields. The action agenda brings five innovation hubs together to improve coordination, help companies adopt new technologies, and move innovations from testing to practical use.
Five areas for joint action
Over the past decade, each hub has developed its own network and area of expertise. They will now combine their knowledge, facilities, and connections to help new ideas develop beyond research and testing to become practical solutions with customers, investment, and economic value.
The partners have identified five actions:
- European Defence & Security Week: The first edition is planned for 19-23 April 2027. It aims to attract 2,000 visitors and connect local businesses with international clients, investors, talent, and trade missions. The longer-term goal is to create 250 jobs.
- Living labs for growing innovations: Companies will test solutions in real settings, including the harbour, streets, and business districts. The partners aim to involve at least 40 local small and medium-sized enterprises within 12 months, develop ten scalable business cases by the end of 2027, and attract € 10m in European funding.
- Secure local energy hubs: Five laboratory facilities will support innovations combining local energy management, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The programme aims to test five products, attract € 6.5m in investment, and support the creation of 150 jobs.
- Humanity Open Innovation Campus: The partners plan to agree on a location and business case in early 2027. Three neighbourhood projects will involve at least 100 students and researchers each year in local challenges such as climate adaptation and community safety.
- The Hague Entrepreneurship Centre: The centre is expected to open in 2027. Its programmes aim to reach at least 1,000 students by the end of that year and support the creation of 30 student start-ups annually.
The agenda presents tangible actions that will build on The Hague’s position as the International City of Peace & Justice. By connecting international networks with technology, entrepreneurship, and real-world testing, the hubs want to help innovations developed in the city reach wider markets.
