Access to Innovation
Access to Capital
Access to Talent
Access to Market
Access to Knowledge
Policy Research: The Hague Strengthens its Position as the European Cybersecurity Capital
Over the past decade, The Hague has developed into a city where justice, security and digital resilience come together. New research into The Hague's security sector shows that the security sector has further grown in 2024, making a significant contribution to the economy and employment in the region.
The security sector in The Hague now comprises over 21,000 employees. Together, they generate a turnover of €4.3 billion, and a added value of €2.2 billion to the Dutch economy. 25% of all jobs in the Dutch security sector are located in the region of The Hague. Within this sector, cybersecurity holds a special position. With 225 companies and nearly 6,000 jobs, it is the fastest-growing subsector within the security domain. Total employment in cybersecurity has increased by almost 11% between 2023 and 2024.
The numbers
Security sector in The Netherlands:
| 2012 |
2024 |
|
€6 billion turnover, of which €2,5 billion added value |
€13 billion turnover, of which €6,47 billion added value |
|
61,500 employees, of which 20% in cybersecurity (12,300 employees) |
83,100 employees, of which 35% in cybersecurity (29,085 employees) |
Security sector in The Hague region:
| 2012 | 2024 |
|
€1,7 billion turnover, of which €0,8 billion added value |
€4,32 billion turnover, of which €2,2 billion added value |
|
13,400 employees, of which 16% in cybersecurity (2,100 employees) |
21,022 employees, of which 28% in cybersecurity (5,849 employees) |
This research is conducted by Policy Research Corporation on behalf of the Municipality of The Hague and has been repeated every few years using the same methodology. The security sector includes the sub-sectors: National Security, Cyber Security, Critical Infra, Urban Security, Forensics, Research & Education.
Deputy mayor of the Hague, Saskia Bruines: “The Hague is known worldwide as a city of peace and justice. Having such a strong and growing cluster of cybersecurity organisations in the city is no coincidence. It is precisely the combination of international organisations, innovative companies and educational institutions that creates a powerful ecosystem.
Bruines: "Partners such as Security Delta (HSD) and InnovationQuarter play an important role. The cluster not only generates jobs and economic value but also contributes to the digital security of residents and businesses in the city and region.”
Strength of The Hague
The Hague stands out due to the presence of (international) organisations, including Europol, the NATO Communications and Information Agency, and the National Cyber Security Centre, combined with leading knowledge institutions such as TNO, TU Delft, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, as well as innovative entrepreneurs. In addition, the municipality of The Hague has been investing for over a decade in strengthening and facilitating the (cyber)security cluster. The combination of policy, business, and science not only leads to a unique concentration of organisations but also creates added value with societal impact on our digital resilience.
Joris den Bruinen, Director of Security Delta (HSD): “If we do not collaborate and innovate, we cannot protect what is dear to us. HSD facilitates collaboration between government, businesses and knowledge institutions and sets the conditions for providing access to knowledge, innovation, market, talent and capital with an impact on broad prosperity in The Hague, South Holland and the Netherlands.”
Read the article in AD, including an interview with HSD partner AKASEC.
Source: press release Municipality of The Hague
Photo credits: iStock/Sebastian Grote
HSD Partners involved
