The 2022-2023 Index report (2023) shows that despite the pandemic and other challenges - like job shortages and inflation – Leiden’s regional economy has continued to grow. Additionally, it concludes that there are many opportunities for further growth and development.
The Index, measured by Blaauwberg on behalf of Economie071, shows that the region scores exceptionally well on themes of ‘’entrepreneurship’’, ‘’education’’’, and ‘’knowledge economy’’. Compared to 2016, the index has increased by 13 index points, and compared to last year by 3 points.
Interestingly, it was also found that internationals play a crucial role in improving the economy, stating that ‘’without the ‘internationals’ even the booming 071-zone (Leiden region) will turn quiet’’.
This is because the total number of companies is growing at a faster rate than the number of available and qualified workers. For instance, the Leiden Bio Science Park is expected to offer 27.000 to 30.000 jobs by 2027 – as of now, the ‘’knowledge cluster’’ has 20.000 people employed.
Given the demand for international talent, the researchers conclude that the borders must remain open, and increased efforts will be necessary to stimulate the internationalisation of the region, which will ultimately strengthen the robustness of the economy and bring more prosperity to the region.
