Amsterdam, Netherlands - SEO Economisch Onderzoek

Box 6-2: Obstacles for collaboration between SMEs and UASsSmit (2009) stresses a paradoxical element in the ties between SMEs and UASs. On the hand, thegraduates of UASs increasingly find employment in a SME firm. Research indicates that in 200750% of all graduates from UASs found a job in a SME firm; in 1995 this applied to 19% of thegraduates. But on the other hand just 2% of all SME firms has a direct working relationship withan UAS. This causes an asymmetry in the knowledge transfer between UASs and SMEs.Knowledge generally flows from the UASs to the firms through projects done by students withinthe firm like research and development. But the reverse way is certainly underutilized. Thefactors hindering the SMEs in maintaining more frequent and effective working relationshipswith the UAS sector are as follows:• The organizational structure of UASs does not correspond to the economic logic of thebusiness community (schools are organized around educational themes like the DomainTechnology at HvA rather than specific economic sectors like Transport). This hindersfirms in swiftly finding the right contact person.• Communication with the outside world is not centralized at UASs. Inquiringentrepreneurs receive bits of information from different persons. Specific contact pointsfor SME entrepreneurs must solve this problem. INHolland has opened 5 of such pointsin the Amsterdam region. Kennispoort is another institution with the explicit aim to helpfirms find their way in the knowledge system.• The final problem is that there are perhaps too many intermediary structures trying to tieSME-firms and educational institutions. The entrepreneur is faced with multipleorganizations all offering their help. This makes it difficult to assess which organizationto turn to for what question.6.4 Promoting regional dialogue and joint marketing initiativesIn the Amsterdam metropolitan area personal ties are the all important ingredient of regionaldialogue. Most parties concerned like the HEIs, the regional governments and the local businesscommunity recognize their joint interests in building a strong and dynamic knowledge network inthe region. But what makes the different actors realize this confluence is personalcommunication. The Amsterdam region lacks a strong centralized governing body which mayestablish collaboration top-down. Most initiatives emerge bottom-up through the aforementionedpersonal communication channels. This explains the importance of institutions like theKenniskring as a linking pin in the regional knowledge system. The Kenniskring does notformulate a joint strategy or common agenda, but does offer a platform for the exchange of ideasand developing personal ties between key players. This provides the fuel for increased dialogueand joint initiatives in many directions.The importance of personal communication is reflected in the representation of HEI-staff inpublic and private bodies in the region. The chairmen of all HEIs in Amsterdam are member ofthe governing board of the Kenniskring. Director Jeroen Knigge of HvA participates in thegoverning board of PAO Amsterdam. Another example is Rene Smit, chairman of VUAmsterdam who is strongly involved in several private-public organizations like New EnergyDocks, the Innovation Platform, Randstad 2040 and Amsterdam Partners, the public-privateplatform which aims to improve the city marketing of Amsterdam.The Netherlands has a long tradition in corporatism. The benefit of this tradition is that allrelevant groups in the public and private arena are somehow represented in the different forumsfor regional dialogue. The Kenniskring is a good example of a platform with participation ofmany individual firms, governmental organizations and knowledge institutes. The regionalgovernments have joined forces in the Amsterdam metropolitan area, which is a public organ anddoes not include membership from private organizations. A notable lacuna in the bodies forregional dialogue is the representation from labor unions. Human capital is a key factor in the123