Information Technology in the

Netherlands

IT Geographics
	About The Netherlands	The Netherlands is strategically located providing a launching point for companies desiring access to Western Europe. This explains why over 94 companies, such as Cisco Systems, have established offices in the past year. Several areas have become tech centers although Amsterdam is establishing itself as the leading location for tech companies. The government has been very active in encouraging technology clusters throughout the country. Amsterdam Amsterdam has been very aggressive in attracting foreign businesses by helping firms get around much of the rap tape customary with establishing operations overseas. The Foreign Investment Bureau has worked to establish areas where firms can relocate and grow. One advantage Amsterdam enjoys is that it is in close vicinity to Schiphol Airport which is one of Europe’s largest hubs serving 345 destinations. [1] Teleport This is an area in Amsterdam where a large number of ISP’s and Telecom firms are located providing a global telecommunications hub.[2] Brainport Based at the University of Amsterdam, the “brainport” utilizes the extensive IT research conducted at the university. The Centre for Mathematics and Computer Sciences is a government funded think tank that built the first Dutch computer. The center was established to prevent talent from leaving the country and has produced several Dutch start-ups.[3] Twinning Initiative As part of its ICT initiative, the Dutch government has established the Twinning Center that serves as an incubator for new high tech companies. The centers have been established at the University of Amsterdam and Eindhoven with plans to open more locations throughout the country. The Twinning Initiative is made up of the following parts.[4] Twinning Network- Made up of leading ICT professionals who provide guidance and contacts to new start-up firms. Twinning Centres- Locations or clusters where start-ups can locate and share common problems. Twinning Funds- Funds that provide start-ups with access to capital. NoordBrabant NoordBrabant is a region located between the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, and the German Rhine-Ruhr area. This is a large industrial area but the country’s electronic industry is concentrated in this area lead by Philips Electronics. Many other companies such as Ericsson, Acer, and Aspen Tech have operations in NoordBrabant so a substantial amount of IT activity is being conducted. Port of Rotterdam The Port of Rotterdam is one of the most important ports in the world bringing in such crucial products such as food and petroleum. Although one would not automatically associate a port with a high center of IT, it does have a high concentration of IT activity. With thousands tons of throughput coming and going each day IT plays the crucial role of managing this complex logistics process.[5]
	Telecommunication Infrastructure
	Liberalization and Deregulation
	Internet Diffusion
	Electronic Commerce
	Hardware manufacturing
	Software development
	Who Uses IT
	IT Geographics
	IT Financing
	IT Labor Market
	Government Policies
	Legal Environment
	Transborder Data Flows
	Analysis: IT strengths and weaknesses
	Analysis :Impacts on the Business
	Sources and Links
	About the authors

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Last update: December 18, 2000

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[1] www.upside.com

[2] www.upside.com

[3] www.upside.com

[4] The Dutch Digital Delta

[5] http://www.port.rotterdam.nl/