D66 Delegation Visits HSD to Discuss Cybersecurity, AI and Economic Growth in (South) Holland

On 15 October, a delegation of seven D66 representatives, visited Security Delta (HSD) for a comprehensive working visit. The visit focussed on getting to know the Dutch cybersecurity ecosystem, collaboration and to discuss how cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) can strengthen economic growth, innovation, and strategic resilience in South Holland and the Netherlands. 

Following the meeting, the delegation was also guided through the HSD Campus, where they spoke with Mischa Rick van Geelen and Marieke Rijken from AdversIQ about the added value of collaboration and the HSD Campus. In addition, they visited the Digital Forensics Lab where Evert Verduin explained how the lab helps to cultivate the next generation of digital forensics talent.

A key message of the meeting was that digital security and economic development are two sides of the same coin. As businesses and industries become increasingly digitalised, cybersecurity should not be treated merely as a way to mitigate risks, but as a strategic driver of innovation, competitiveness and new business opportunities.

Connecting technology with strong economic sectors

The delegation discussed the significant economic opportunities that emerge at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and established regional industries. South Holland has a strong foundation in sectors such as manufacturing, maritime, space, energy and the energy transition, horticulture, defence and dual-use technologies, and bioscience. By bringing these sectors together with technological expertise, the region can foster new product-market combinations, develop innovative businessmodels and strengthen its international competitive position.

From sovereignty debates to execution capacity

While digital sovereignty, regulation and strategic autonomy remain important topics, the discussion highlighted the need to move from debate to execution capacity. This requires long-term investment, practical cooperation, and the ability to turn ambitions into tangible results.

Existing initiatives, including the Cyber Resilience Centres for Greenport and the manufacturing industry in South Holland, demonstrate how sustained investment can help businesses improve their digital resilience. Events such as the Cyber Security Week also provide valuable blueprints for connecting industry, government, knowledge institutions and innovators. These experiences can be used to the further development of a National Security & Defence Week.

The visit also highlighted the importance of making better use of existing innovation hubs, laboratories and facilities. Rather than establishing new labs wherever innovation is needed, projects should build on existing infrastructure and expertise, while strengthening connections with other regions across the Netherlands.

South Holland as a leader in Secure by Design

Another addressed key priority is to position South Holland at the forefront of the Secure by Design approach, particularly in areas such as the energy transition. Cybersecurity should be integrated into the design of products, systems and services from the outset, rather than added later to address emerging risks. Not by creating more new rules, but by connecting the cybersecurity ecosystem with innovative businesses.

This approach can create new markets and business models while making critical infrastructure and industrial processes more resilient. By developing and demonstrating successful solutions in South Holland, the region can create a foundation for scaling them nationally and internationally.

Developing the House of Cyber into a national asset

The meeting also explored the ambition to develop a House of Cyber into a regional campus of national significance. By bringing together businesses, researchers, public authorities and talent, the campus could become a focal point for collaboration, knowledge development, and the practical application of cybersecurity and AI.

Such a campus would help connect existing initiatives, accelerate innovation and strengthen the Netherlands' cybersecurity ecosystem.

Exploring a National Growth Fund proposal for Cybersecurity and AI

Finally, the delegation discussed the development of a proposal for the National Growth Fund initiative focused on cybersecurity and AI. The aim would be to mobilise long-term investment, accelerate innovation and strengthen the economic and strategic position of the Netherlands by connecting technological capabilities with the needs of key industries.

The proposed ambition is clear: to turn South Holland's strong industrial base, technological expertise and existing innovation ecosystem into a powerful engine for secure and sustainable economic growth. By investing in implementation, collaboration and Secure by Design, the region can help shape a more resilient, innovative and competitive digital economy for the Netherlands.

The D66-delegation included: Sarah El Boujdaini, Sander van Diepen, Lisanne van Damme, Viresh Doekaloe, Bart Nieuwenhuis, Roosmarijn van de Velde, Niels Back and Robin Goudappel