What is the state of the economy in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA), and what is needed to keep the region economically strong in the future? These were the central questions discussed on 8 September during the presentation of the 2026 Economic Outlook of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area 2026 at De Balie in Amsterdam. Researchers Henri de Groot (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) and Arjan Heyma (SEO Amsterdam Economics) presented the key developments and engaged with policymakers and other attendees on the region\u2019s economic future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AMA has a strong economic starting position. The region has a highly educated workforce, a strong knowledge-intensive economy, and a high concentration of businesses and knowledge institutions. At the same time, economic growth has slowed in recent years, and the region is increasingly running up against constraints, such as a tight labour market and shortages of space and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to De Groot, this year\u2019s Economic Outlook is therefore about \u201cour search for a new normal.\u201d The strong growth that the AMA experienced for a long time compared to the rest of the Netherlands has levelled off over the past two years. At the same time, the researchers believe the region\u2019s economic potential remains substantial. The question is how this potential can be harnessed under changing circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compared with other European metropolitan regions, the AMA has performed above average over a longer period in terms of economic growth, employment and labour productivity. This provides a strong starting position, but according to Heyma, it is no reason to sit back. \u201cWe really need to increase our productivity, otherwise we risk pricing ourselves out of the market.\u201d Labour productivity is therefore becoming an increasingly important factor in the region\u2019s future economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Labour force participation is already at a historically high level, while unemployment is low. As a result, future growth will increasingly depend less on getting more people into work and more on working smarter and more productively. Investment in innovation, education and lifelong learning will play an important role in this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to labour, space and energy are becoming increasingly scarce. Housing, businesses, industry and data centres all place demands on the available space and capacity of the electricity grid. According to the researchers, this requires clear choices and a focus on economic activities that use relatively little space and labour while generating substantial added value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
De Groot emphasised that scarcity does not necessarily have to be seen only as a constraint, but can also help guide decision-making: \u201cThe urgency that comes with it ultimately has a disciplining effect. You know that you have to make choices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the constraints on growth, the AMA\u2019s starting position remains strong. The challenge is to preserve that strength while renewing the economy at the same time. De Groot summarised it at the end of the presentation as follows: \u201cA region that is still very strong and resilient \u2014 let\u2019s make sure we preserve that together. But at the same time, we need an economy that requires renewal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the presentation, Melanie van der Horst, Chair of the AMA Economic Platform and Amsterdam\u2019s Alderman for Economic Affairs, received the first copy of the report. She emphasised the importance of cooperation within the region, with businesses and knowledge institutions, as well as with other regions and the national government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go to Economic Outlook of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area 2026 (in Dutch)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a translated news article from Metropoolregio Amsterdam<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the (Dutch) media: <\/strong>
\u2018Amsterdam moet loslaten wat haar ooit sterk maakte\u2019: economische groei Metropoolregio staat onder druk<\/a> (Het Parool, September 8, 2026)<\/p>\n\n\n\n