Exploring Innovation Hubs: Insights from Dublin and Copenhagen
Amsterdam, Monday, 28 July 2025.
Delegations visiting Dublin and Copenhagen highlighted the impact of collaborative ecosystems on innovation, with potential lessons for enhancing the Netherlands’ competitive edge.
Learning from Dublin: A Hub of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Dublin has long been recognized as a pivotal center for innovation and entrepreneurship. During a recent visit by ROM Directors and representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the city’s strong emphasis on collaboration was evident. Government bodies, investors, knowledge institutions, and businesses work closely to create a flourishing ecosystem for innovative startups, scale-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The integration of knowledge and active application is vital, serving as a lifeline for innovative economies and serving as a catalyst for societal impact [1].
Copenhagen: Europe’s Rising Innovation Star
Following Dublin, the delegation visited Copenhagen, gaining insight into why it is hailed as Europe’s second innovation hub. The strength of Copenhagen’s ecosystem mirrors that of Dublin, with substantial collaboration among various sectors. This environment fosters technological advancements and entrepreneurship, offering lessons for the Netherlands, which is keen on bolstering its competitive edge in innovation through similar cooperative frameworks [1].
Impact on Dutch Enterprises
The innovation ecosystems observed in Dublin and Copenhagen bring actionable insights back to Dutch enterprises. For instance, DOPS Recycling Technologies has leveraged collaboration within its ecosystem to raise 5 million euros in its initial investment round. The participation of InnovationQuarter and other regional investors underscores the power of regional cooperation within the ROM network, facilitating external investment and expanding innovative capabilities beyond provincial boundaries [1].
Evaluating the Netherlands’ Innovative Potential
Despite the Netherlands ranking as an ‘Innovation Leader’ in the 2025 European Innovation Scoreboard, maintaining its edge requires continuous adaptation. Recent scores indicate that while the Netherlands performs at 129.1% of the EU average, it is experiencing a slight decline from the previous year. Strengths such as a robust digital infrastructure and high-level human resources support its strong position, but areas like high-tech imports and sales of new innovations present opportunities for improvement [3]. Observations from foreign ecosystems could inspire strategic shifts to address these vulnerabilities and sustain the Netherlands’ innovation trajectory [3].