€2.8 million available to examine links between economy, geography and prosperity in the province of South Holland.

The Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO –  Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) has opened the NWA call ‘Economic Transformation in the Province of South Holland: Space for an Economy that Supports Broad Prosperity’. The call seeks to generate integrated insights and perspectives to support economic structural change in the region.

Regional data indicate that South Holland, despite being regarded as one of Europe’s more innovative economies, faces slower growth and unevenly distributed prosperity. Pressures linked to limited physical space contribute to complex assessments involving economic, social and ecological interests. The call is designed to support work that can inform future sectoral decisions and contribute to a shared view of long-term economic transition.

A Sandpit workshop will be used to establish a consortium capable of producing a single joint proposal. Participation in the Sandpit will be limited to 30 individuals selected through an Expressions of Interest stage. Collaboration across disciplines and with partners including companies and civil society organisations will form a central part of the workshop process.

The total available budget is €2.8 million for one research proposal. Co‑funding may be included but is not required. The process consists of three stages: submission of individual Expressions of Interest, attending the sandpit and development of the subsequent full proposal.