Amsterdam is targeting academic research as the key to economic growth and attracting investment, according to research published by Elsevier.
Amsterdam is targeting academic research as the key to economic growth and attracting investment, according to research published by Elsevier.
An analysis of 11 university cities across Europe found that the Dutch capital generated more research per capita last year than any of its peers apart from Copenhagen. In the 10 years to 2013 its research output grew from 6700 to nearly 11,500, a combined annual growth rate of over 6%.
The city was strongest in medical research, especially oncology, where it was the source of 3,693 publications in the past 10 years, 18% more than its nearest rival.
Amsterdam is also a leading centre for computer science, where output has doubled since 2004, and commercialisation of immunology and microbiology. The city is home to 32,500 research professionals and was recently ranked by property services firm DTZ as one of the top five business locations in Europe.
Kajsa Ollongren, the city’s alderwoman responsible for economic affairs, said: ‘Understanding our world-leading strengths will help us develop sustainable and intelligent development strategies to establish a strong foundation for Amsterdam’s future growth.’
Nick Fowler, managing director of research management at Elsevier, said: ‘Our case study of Amsterdam provides many valuable insights for city planners, policy makers, real estate investors, developers and employers.’
Elsevier analysed the academic output of universities in 11 European cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, Madrid, Manchester, Stockholm and Vienna.
Click here for the full report on Amsterdam’s competitive advantages (PDF)
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