Roundtable explores stronger Dutch Diamond approach for talent and skills development
On 27 March 2026, representatives from government, knowledge institutions, business and civil society gathered in Utrecht for a roundtable discussion on talent and skills development within the Dutch Diamond approach. The session was chaired by MSM Director a.i. Dr. Diederik de Boer and focused on how the Netherlands can strengthen international cooperation with partners in the Global South through knowledge, innovation and talent development.
The discussion highlighted the growing importance of integrated international cooperation in response to global challenges such as climate change, migration, pandemics and economic transformation. Participants noted that future economic growth, technological development and demographic change are increasingly concentrated in emerging economies, creating new opportunities for Dutch partnerships in education, research, innovation and private sector development.
A central theme during the roundtable was the Dutch Diamond model, which brings together government, knowledge institutions, companies and civil society organisations. Participants explored how this model could be strengthened and applied more strategically in international cooperation, particularly in emerging economies.
The roundtable addressed four main questions:
- where the Netherlands can best connect knowledge, innovation and talent in cooperation with the Global South
- how international collaboration between Dutch stakeholders can be better organised
- how talent and skills policies can become a stronger component of international cooperation, and
- which concrete steps should be taken over the next five years
Among the ideas discussed were the creation of stronger financial and organisational structures to support collaboration, the possible development of local “Diamond Houses” abroad, and stronger links between existing skills and talent programmes. Participants also reflected on the relationship between Dutch initiatives and broader European priorities.
The meeting brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from SAIL, Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), the Netherlands Associations of VET Colleges and Universities of Applied Sciences (MBO and HBO raad), Cordaid, the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), the Netherlands Water Partnership, IDH, the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes, and the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs.
The outcomes of the roundtable will serve as input for a future white paper and further discussions on how the Dutch Diamond approach can contribute to stronger international partnerships, talent development and innovation, and as input for a four-year plan of the Ministries of External Affairs and Education.
The next round table meeting will be held with the Standing Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation at the Parliament in May 2026.
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