Dublin and Copenhagen: Leading European Innovation Hubs in 2025

2025-10-29 community

Amsterdam, Wednesday, 29 October 2025.
Dublin and Copenhagen have emerged as prominent innovation centers in 2025, with strong ecosystems driving entrepreneurship and collaboration, according to Dutch innovation leaders visiting these cities.

The Rise of Innovation Ecosystems

Dublin’s long-standing reputation as a hub of innovation is complemented by its robust support systems, which encourage collaboration among government entities, businesses, and academia. This strategic tripartite collaboration has allowed Dublin to maintain its status as a leading hub for technology-driven growth and entrepreneurship [1]. Similarly, Copenhagen has rapidly emerged as a noteworthy player on the European innovation scene, characterized by its concerted efforts in fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to encourage sustainable and inclusive growth [2].

Dutch Delegation Insights

During their recent visit, Dutch innovation leaders noted the essential role of strong networks and partnerships in both cities. They emphasized that the success of innovation ecosystems in Dublin and Copenhagen is largely due to their ability to integrate diverse stakeholders into cohesive frameworks that support startups and scale-ups [3]. The ROM Directors, representing various Dutch economic sectors, highlighted that such collaboration is critical not only for business growth but also for driving societal impact [4].

Investment and Collaboration

The visit underscored the importance of investment in innovation, as demonstrated by initiatives like DOPS Recycling Technologies in North Holland. This company has benefited from a well-functioning ecosystem, securing substantial investment to turn waste into valuable resources with minimal CO₂ emissions [5]. ROM InWest, in collaboration with other investors, played a pivotal role in supporting DOPS, exemplifying how regional cooperation can attract broader investment beyond provincial borders [5].

Implications for the Netherlands

The insights gained from Dublin and Copenhagen are particularly relevant for the Netherlands as it seeks to enhance its own innovation landscape. By adopting similar collaborative approaches, the Netherlands can further its goals in sustainable development and digital transformation. The ROM Utrecht Region, for example, is already making strides in building ecosystems focused on healthcare, sustainability, and digitalization, which mirrors the successful strategies observed in the European hubs [6].

Bronnen

innovation hubs ecosystem development