1. Although Rotterdam is the largest harbor in Europe, there is no real centre of combined/integrated knowledge from the parties that are influenced by the harbor. There is currently not a clear platform that can unite all the parties (different interest) that are involved. - There is a good relationship between the Rotterdam, delft and the province Zuid-Holland concerning a knowledge center. + Current initiatives are very regionally focused and are lacking integration . - There has to be a political basis for the creation of knowledge center on all levels. Depends on the political agenda if it’s positive or negative. – or + The Rotterdam Knowledge center is really dependent on government funding. - Reducing the bureaucracy, which is always a topic on the political agenda. + From a financially technical aspect there must be some advantages for companies to join (tax). - Lacking of interests. Companies could for example be distant to the initiative concerning the sharing of knowledge with the other parties. - Besides government funding, the initiative will also need commercial funding. - Competition between the different universities. - Competition between the different cities in the Netherlands. - A lot of (international) companies have an office in the harbor region. In the future there is the possibility for them to move their head offices and research centers to the harbor. + Rotterdam is the largest harbor in Europe and has a great infrastructure, good geographical conditions and great historic value. + Social/economical Political The establishment climate in the Netherlands is not very attractive. (laws and tax system) - Contribution from individuals and private organizations To education and research is relatively is low. - There are not enough technical students in the Netherlands. - Although there is some stiff competition for the harbor, especially because there is not a lot of room to expand, there is not a real focus on competitive advantage. - Booming economies in other countries have led to new competitors. These harbors have more resources and possibilities and Therefore attract people and organizations. -

2. Absence of a well-oiled and dynamic knowledge center. STARTER PROBLEM EFFECTS CAUSES Loss of competitive advantage on the competing Harbors, mainly Hamburg and Antwerpen. Negative affect on the growth of the national economy. A lacking innovation and development . Organizations: difficulties with finding the right knowledge, sources and networks. Loss of competitive Advantage. Universities: are not really able to coordinate the curricula and programs with business. Government: not able to create a knowledge economy, which is so important for the country. There is no platform where the different parties can combine their knowledge. No network organization, no projects and no real development of knowledge and expertise. Current initiatives are facing integration issues. Low contribution and interest from some of the parties. Mainly individuals and private organizations. Initiatives should be a collaboration between the 4 o’s, but currently depend too much on government input. There are simply too many rules and legislations. Financial issues. Initiatives are really regional focused and therefore lose effectiveness Competition between cities and provinces. Many overlap between different levels of the government. Complex organization of the government, and although there are many ideas and initiatives concerning a knowledge economy, there is confusion concerning roles and responsibilities for the execution of the policies. Too much dependence on government funding Government policies are not really focused on creating an environment where the creation of a knowledge economy is stimulated. No real clarity on the end goal of the knowledge economy and advantages for the parties involved.