23.09 → 24.09.2024
In September, hub.brussels is taking you to Rotterdam and Amsterdam to discover the innovative Smart City districts and projects of our pioneering neighbours. In addition to site visits, you’ll meet local stakeholders and decision-makers active in these areas, which are vital to the future of our cities.
About this event
Today, around 56% of the world’s population lives in cities, a trend that is set to continue: by 2050, with the current number of city dwellers doubling, almost seven out of every ten people in the world will live in urban areas.
This trend highlights the attractiveness of major urban centres, where a significant share of GDP and economic activity is concentrated. In this context, the Netherlands has long stood out for its expertise in managing to reconcile urban quality of life with the preservation of green spaces, despite a particularly high population density in the Randstad region (a conurbation comprising the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht).
This dynamic is prompting public and private players to rethink urbanisation, focusing on smart and sustainable approaches that meet citizens’ needs. The Netherlands, a true pioneer in this field, has convincingly adopted solutions applied to smart cities, turning certain urban areas into true large-scale laboratories. Digital technologies are seen as essential tools for solving urban, environmental and resource-management challenges, while guaranteeing a better quality of life in urban areas and optimising the use of natural resources.
With this in mind, hub.brussels is organising an economic and exploratory mission to Rotterdam and Amsterdam on 23 and 24 September. This mission will be an ideal opportunity to learn first-hand about the innovative Smart Cities policies in the Netherlands and to explore best practices for shaping the future of our cities.
Registrations open until September 2, 2024
Provisional programme
Monday 23/09
- Travel from Brussels to Rotterdam by Eurostar
- Explore sustainable development projects or examples of smart manufacturing
- Pitching lunch between Brussels and Rotterdam residents
- Presentation of Smart City policies with representatives from the municipality of Rotterdam
- Visit ZOHO in Rotterdam
- Check in at the Novotel Den Haag World Forum hotel
- Evening at the Ambassador’s Residence
Tuesday 24/09
- Transfer to Amsterdam
- Visit Buiksloterham: transforming a former industrial zone into a circular and sustainable district
- Pitching lunch between Brussels and Amsterdam residents
- Visit to Johan Cruijff ArenA and presentation of its Smart City initiatives
- Return to Brussels by Eurostar
Practical info
Prices
Registration fees:
- Free for start-ups under four years old
- €100 for SMEs
- €300 for large enterprises
The registration fee includes on-site group transportation (not Eurostar travel) and group activities, networking events and the entire group programme, as well as individual meetings according to your wishes.
Each participant is responsible for the following expenses:
- Brussels-Rotterdam/Amsterdam-Brussels journeys on the Eurostar
- Hotel: Novotel Den Haag World Forum (€130 including breakfast)
Registrations open until September 2, 2024
Any question? Just ask Ghislain!
Ghislain Breydel
Export Promotion Coordinator
