Innovation in the port

Expanding the regional economy
Rotterdam has a young population which, in due course, will be looking for employment. At the same time, the demand for well-educated workers is likely to increase in years to come. Unfortunately, the majority of industries in the port at the moment only need small workforces.

Expanding the economic activities with new, more labour-intensive industries, with an emphasis on innovation, will create more work opportunities. Consequently, there will be a demand for better levels of education, which means that the city council will have to invest more in schools and training facilities. The Port of Rotterdam authority, together with the business community, is investing in special education programmes. By 2030, there should be 10,000 extra jobs in the CityPorts area.

Creative economy
Rotterdam is reaping the benefits of a growing creative economy, as more people are going to work in the audio-visual and new media sectors, architecture and music and dance productions. Rotterdam has achieved international recognition for its large events, such as the film festival, the summer carnival and the dance parade.

Creative entrepreneurs can give new identity to the empty industrial heritage in the docklands. Distinctive buildings will not only get a new lease of life, they will contribute to the economic growth of Rotterdam. A good example of this is the Creative Factory in the Maas silo.