We are the linking pin that connects central government with regions when it comes to the economy. We collaborate closely with Invest-NL, TechLeap, Trade & Innovate NL and NFIA.
What is an RDA?
Every year, the Dutch regional development agencies (RDAs) contribute to thousands of new jobs and investments worth billions of euros in regional economies. By boosting innovation, investments and internationalisation, RDAs are regional drivers of ingenuity and competitiveness. But what exactly is an RDA?
Regional development agencies were originally established at the initiative of the then Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate to address economic underdevelopment in specific regions. The focus of RDAs has since shifted to strengthening regional economies in general. We help entrepreneurs with innovation, investments and internationalisation so that they can accelerate the growth of their companies. We thereby promote sustainable growth of regional economies and help create jobs. RDAs also support entrepreneurs in times of economic uncertainty, such as the one we are now facing as a result of the corona crisis.
We are committed to making an impact in various areas, not least health, sustainability, nutrition and digitalisation, both with and for innovative SMEs.
A regional development agency is a corporation with public shareholders whose aim is to strengthen a region’s economy and bolster employment. As an RDA, we are a neutral player in a region and have no profit motive.
The Regional Development Agencies
There are nine RDAs in the Netherlands. You can see which RDA serves your region on the map below.
What does an RDA do?
We strengthen the regional economy through:
Innovation
We stimulate innovation in SMEs in areas like health, sustainability, safety, the ‘top economic sectors’, smart industry and the circular economy. We also strengthen the ecosystem in a region by promoting partnerships between entrepreneurs, knowledge institutes and local government.
Investment
We invest in innovative, fast-growing companies from our own funds and funds under our management. We do this by providing subordinated loans and/or share capital.
Internationalisation
We are responsible for attracting international companies to the regions and for retaining them. This means that we strengthen the economic ecosystem and ensure a robust supply chain. We also support companies in the regions to access foreign markets.