New Internships to Boost Innovation in The Hague's SME Sector
Den Haag, Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced two internships focusing on SME financing and startup policies, aiming to enhance the innovation ecosystem in Den Haag amid economic challenges.
Expanding Opportunities in Innovation
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced two new internships focused on enhancing the innovation ecosystem through positions dedicated to SME financing and startup policy development. These opportunities are hosted by the Directorate for Entrepreneurship Climate (DG B&I) in Den Haag, aiming to support startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) amidst the economic challenges faced today [1][2].
Internship Roles at Directorate for Entrepreneurship Climate
The selected interns will actively participate in the creation of more accessible financing options for entrepreneurs by exploring non-traditional financing models such as halal financing, crowdfunding, and embedded finance. This initiative is part of a broader governmental strategy to strengthen the Netherlands’ competitive position globally by fostering a more inclusive and innovative financial landscape for SMEs [1].
Contributing to Startup and Scale-Up Policy Development
In a parallel effort, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is addressing the critical needs of startups and scale-ups through targeted policy development. Interns assigned to this task will collaborate closely with stakeholders to identify skill and expertise gaps within key technology sectors. This role involves conducting interviews and research, with the goal of translating findings into actionable policies that enhance the availability of talent in strategic areas [2].
Enhancing The Hague’s Innovation Ecosystem
The introduction of these internships aligns with broader efforts to enrich The Hague’s Central Innovation District (CID), which is set to become a hub for living, working, and innovation by 2040. The CID’s development plan includes creating sustainable living spaces and improving connectivity through green public transport infrastructure. Collaborative strategies involving city government, developers, and social partners are essential to realize this vision [3].