available, because the information regarding
the performance of the maritime cluster the
Netherlands collects through the maritime
and port monitors is not available on a one-
one ratio on the international level. In so far
as this information is available; it appears
that the Netherlands has a reputation to
uphold in the fields of transport and
logistics-related
areas.
Internationally,
approved rankings on the matter show that
the Netherlands is listed in the top three. In
addition, the Netherlands harbors the
largest port in Europe, the Dutch inland
water fleet has the largest European market
share, the Netherlands is the leading
producer of super yachts and the offshore
and maritime engineering industries rank
among the world‘s finest.
Maritime interests
To strength the maritime interests of the
Netherlands, policy should focus on areas
that are relevant to the entire maritime
cluster. These unifying areas enable
knowledge, experience, best practices and
innovations to be shared cluster-wide, as
well as solutions that contribute to the
strengthening of the maritime cluster.
These unifying areas that are focus of the
maritime strategy are:
Human capital
Innovation
Accessibility
Safety and environment
Security and stability
Human capital
The industries from the maritime cluster
collectively generate around 2.5% of the
employment in the Netherlands, even
without counting the employment in the
associated port industrial complex. The
maritime cluster, the port industrial
complex and the port-related transport
together stand for about 5% of the
employment of the Dutch working
population. Most cluster industries have an
aging professional population which includes
both craftsmen and highly trained
professionals.
Innovation
The leading position of the Dutch maritime
cluster is partly due to its innovative
strength. Intensive cooperation between
enterprises, knowledge institutes and the
national government, within and amongst
the top sectors, focusing on innovation of
maritime processes, products and services,
support the stability to innovate. To remain
competitive, the maritime cluster will need
to continue to innovate, not only in the field
of technology, but also in accordance with
the principles of social innovations.