Amsterdam, as the capital and the biggest city in the Netherlands, makes a major contribution to the success of the country. A key factor is the productive relationship between public and private organizations in Amsterdam. Life Sciences is a priority sector for the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam it receives special attention.
Amsterdam is committed to optimising its brainpower. The city has two universities, a number of R&D institutes, and the highest density of knowledge per square mile in The Netherlands. Amsterdam’s knowledge network gains global breadth by its contacts and collaborations with companies, universities, and research centers worldwide. The city brings together scientists, intellectual property and tax specialists, venture capitalists, clinical trial experts, and other professionals. Amsterdam has already been chosen by 1,700 high tech companies, many of them specializing in biotechnology and medical technology, but also incl. IT. Life Sciences businesses in Amsterdam currently employ around 3,500 people. Such businesses were attracted by the excellent location advantages for establishing Life Sciences companies.
Main characteristics of Amsterdam
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One of the top five business locations in Europe |
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Top location for European headquarters, especially American and Japanese companies favour the Dutch capital |
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Strategically situated within Europe: some 160 million consumers reside within less than 500-kilometer radius of Amsterdam and every major economic center in Western Europe can be reached from Amsterdam in two hours flying time or one day on the road |
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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is 4th in Europe for cargo and passenger traffic and was selected ‘business travellers’ favourite airport |
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Amsterdam is in the top ten of world cities in terms of overall quality of life (Mercer, 2003) |
