The Netherlands is a small open economy that largely follows the European and even the world economy. The question of where we will earn our living in the future is difficult, if not impossible, to answer. Building on the strengths of the Dutch economy, the traditionally important trade relations and seizing the opportunities of new technological developments seem to be the main ingredients for future strategy. But is that future really so malleable for a small country like the Netherlands? Can we make our economy highly sustainable? Research into the strengths and opportunities of our economy, as well as its weaknesses and threats in a globalising world, should provide handles for the discussion on the direction in which the Netherlands should develop.
Connecting character
This question focuses in particular on the underlying factors for economic development. What are the structural preconditions in the areas of built space and infrastructure, human capital, institutions, data and information, security and mentality to respond flexibly to the global economy? Many sub-questions can be formulated in all these areas, but the main issue here is how these factors interact and reinforce or weaken each other. Research can focus on comparison with the past, analysis of the present and projections for the future, both to better understand the mechanisms and, in a practical sense, to support the government with policy advice. This is an economic question par excellence, but it touches on many other disciplines. Both technological disciplines and social sciences, such as organisational studies or business studies, are relevant to this issue.
