South Holland Boosts Innovation in Defense Industry with New Partnership
Den Haag, Wednesday, 16 July 2025.
On July 16, 2025, South Holland’s strategic partnership aims to integrate local innovations into defense, promoting economic growth and technological advancements rapidly.
A Strategic Initiative Unveiled
On July 15, 2025, South Holland took a significant step in enhancing its innovation landscape by signing a declaration of intent with several key partners. This long-term partnership involves the Province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter, the Economic Board South Holland, and the Ministries of Defence and Economic Affairs [1]. This collaboration aims to link local innovations with businesses, specifically targeting the defense sector to boost economic growth and technological advancements [1].
Leveraging Local Expertise and Resources
South Holland is home to a robust defense industry, accounting for a quarter of the Netherlands’ traditional defense sector [1]. The region boasts a high concentration of innovative companies and renowned institutions such as the Port of Rotterdam and the European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk [1]. By integrating these entities, the new partnership seeks to cultivate innovation clusters and solidify South Holland’s position as a leader in technology and economic resilience.
Focus Areas and Technological Emphasis
The partnership will concentrate on five key technological areas critical to defense: maritime industry, space technology, cyber and quantum technology, sensor and radar systems, and unmanned systems including artificial intelligence [1]. These areas are strategically chosen to align with both the defense and civilian sectors, enhancing dual-use technologies that have applications in both domains. Examples include technologies for safe international communication and underwater inspection [1].
Establishing MINDbases to Foster Innovation
A novel aspect of the partnership is the establishment of MINDbases, which are to serve as hubs connecting the defense sector with entrepreneurs and SMEs. These hubs will be located at the RDM Campus in the Port of Rotterdam and at YES!Delft at the TU Delft Campus [1]. The aim is to create environments that facilitate dialogue and collaboration, enabling innovative solutions to emerge and thrive. These centers will offer a platform for companies to engage with defense industries, driving forward both innovation and economic growth [1].