Symposium | The creative economy (featuring Peter Wennink and others)

What can the creative industries and cultural sector contribute to economic growth in the Netherlands?

Symposium featuring Peter Wennink and others

Peter Wennink’s report on the Netherlands’ long-term earning capacity forms the basis of the national growth strategy and the coalition agreement. Wennink identifies four areas in which the Netherlands must invest: digitalisation and AI, security and resilience, energy and climate technology and life sciences and biotechnology. The creative industries are absent.

While the Innovation Platform and the Top Sectors policy still regarded the sector as a driver of innovation, it has disappeared from today’s economic debate. Yet the challenges Wennink addresses, from the energy transition to digital sovereignty, demand the imagination and systemic solutions of designers more than ever.

During Dutch Design Week (DDW) 2026, we will bridge the gap between the ‘hard’ economic growth strategy and the innovative power of the creative economy. This raises one central question for the sector itself: do we dare to commit explicitly to the Netherlands’ national growth ambitions?

Monday 19 October 2026, 10.30–12.30 (doors open at 10.00). Next Nature Museum, Eindhoven, during Dutch Design Week.

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Programme

Peter Wennink is the keynote speaker. Responding to his analysis are Jeroen Bartelse (director of TivoliVredenburg and chair of Kunsten ’92), Anne Ligtenberg (designer and programme director of Design Development Eindhoven), Mark van Iterson (chair of BNO), Barbara Baarsma (economist), Jeroen Dijsselbloem (Mayor of Eindhoven) and Kiriko Mechanicus (creator of, among other works, Starpower!). Anna van Nunen (director of Eurosonic Noorderslag) and Willem van Zeeland (director of Dutch Design Foundation) open with an overview of the current state of the design sector.

Moderator: Monique van Dusseldorp.

The symposium will be followed by a networking lunch at the Next Nature Museum. Afterwards, you can visit the Dutch Design Week exhibitions individually or in a group.

When?

Monday 19 October 2026 | 10:30–12:30 (doors open at 10:00) | Followed by lunch

Location

Next Nature Museum, Noord Brabantlaan 1A, 5652 LA Eindhoven (Google Maps)

Who is it for?

Senior leaders from the creative industries and cultural sector, policymakers and politicians from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, innovation leaders and entrepreneurs. Participation is by invitation only.

Brainport Eindhoven

Brainport Eindhoven is a leading technology region where government, businesses and knowledge and educational institutions work closely together. Guided by a shared agenda, the region focuses on technology, talent and a strong living environment. Through knowledge, innovation and a powerful manufacturing industry, Brainport Eindhoven contributes to the economic and societal development of the Netherlands and Europe. In this way, the region works towards sustainable growth that benefits everyone. More about Brainport Eindhoven.

Dutch Design Foundation

Dutch Design Foundation (DDF) is optimistic and believes that the problem-solving abilities of designers can improve the world. DDF therefore offers designers opportunities, support, visibility and a platform. DDF organises Dutch Design Week, Coalitions and Dutch Design Awards and is also active internationally. Through debates, lectures, exhibitions and events throughout the year, DDF provides a platform for the best and most promising designers and helps share their ideas and work. More about DDF.

Design Development Eindhoven

Design Development Eindhoven (DDE) connects Eindhoven’s design community, knowledge institutions, businesses and government to structurally strengthen and expand the design ecosystem. DDE works to create an attractive business climate, encourages entrepreneurship and harnesses the power of design to address societal challenges. By bringing together knowledge, talent and the capacity to act, DDE creates space for new collaborations and initiatives that contribute to Eindhoven’s development as a leading design city. More about DDE