Regio Randstad

The development of a knowledge economy is becoming more important to reinforce the international competitiveness of the European Union. Since 2000, the European Union has an ambitious economic agenda; the Lisbonagenda. Member states are responsible for the implementation of this agenda. On a yearly basis, they report to the European Commission on their progress via National Reform Programmes. European financial funds, like the EFRO and the ESF, are available for regions in order to contribute to the Lisbon targets.

The Randstad Region has formulated the ambition to get back in the top five of metropolitan region's before 2015. On the regional level, the intention is to strengthen its own clusters and economic core activities. Therefore, collaboration between the public sector, the private sector and knowledge institutions is crucial. Collaboration limits not only within the region and the national boarders, but also outside the region, the broader European and international field of force. In the Randstad information has been shared. Each year, the progress to reach the ambitious targets of the Randstad is measured by TNO.

The Randstad Region is member of a network of 13 region's that all have the ambition to improve their competitiveness, the Lisbon Regions Network. From June 2009 the Randstad Region will deliver the president of this network; Ms Rinske Kruisinga, deputy of the province of Noord-Holland. More information you can find on the website of the Lisbon Regions Network.

By the distribution of funds in the Netherlands, attention is also paid to the use of structural funds. From 2007-2011 a joint operational program functions: OP West. More information you can find on the website.