Amsterdam, Netherlands - SEO Economisch Onderzoek

the university to improve its energy-performance with 30% for the periode 2005-2020. It alsostrives to reduce CO2 emissions with 40% in 2024 (benchmark: 1990) which is a more ambitiousgoal than the national environmental goals. HvA has signed the same covenant and obtainscomparable goals. The VU also has stated specific objectives concerning energy-efficiency andaims for a place among the upper quartile of most sustainable Dutch universities.5.5 ConclusionThe main conclusion of this chapter is that the HEIs in the Amsterdam metropolitan area formpart of large and dynamic regional networks supporting social, cultural and sustainabledevelopment. The role for HEIs in these networks is often demand driven. This applies withspecial force to social and sustainability issues. There is also wide spread recognition that theimportance of these sectors goes beyond their intrinsic benefits. They form an important part ofthe social fabric supporting the comparative advantage of the region.Table 5-1: SWOTStrengths- Strong social and cultural facilities in theregion- A large offer of education in the culturalsector- Extensive research and education insustainable development- Development of cooperation between HEIsin this field to exploit potential forinnovation and sustainable developmentOpportunities- Cultural complex a breeding soil forcreative entrepreneurship- Contribution of strong cultural complex tocomparative advantage of the region- Developing international demand forproducts and services in the field ofsustainable developmentWeaknesses- Structured information about economicimpact of sustainability cluster- Little cooperation among HEIs concerninginternal goals and processes forsustainability- Entrepreneurship in the creative sectorThreats- Skill biased growth fostering socialproblemsStrengthsOne of the main strengths is the extensive offer of social and cultural facilities in the region. Wehave discussed several of these facilities and noted that in several field like theatres and concerthalls the number of seats and performances is growing fast. The cultural complex is really one ofthe defining characteristics of Amsterdam as a global city. This identity generates a largeturnover. It attracts many tourists to the city and makes Amsterdam an attractive livingenvironment for students and researchers seeking employment at one the cities’ HEIs.Environmental sustainability is a strength in another sense. Sustainability touches the corebusiness of a large group of firms in the metropolitan area and so has the potential of developinginto a cluster of innovation. This development is supported by all stakeholders in the region. TheHEIs are currently offering a large array of studies and research programs in the field ofsustainable development.WeaknessA weakness is the lack of structured information about sustainable development in themetropolitan area. For example, there is little known about the economic impact of the114