ESMEE

How can regions better support sustainable entrepreneurs in achieving societal missions, such as the energy transition or circular agriculture? That question is at the heart of the ESMEE project. The key lies in strong regional ecosystems: networks and conditions that foster and enable entrepreneurship.

Although the Netherlands has an active entrepreneurial culture, mission-driven entrepreneurship still lags behind. Regional Development Agencies (ROMs) play a key role in this, but lack clear insight into which regional factors truly contribute to success. ESMEE aims to change that.

The project combines big data analysis, NLP techniques, qualitative research, and systemic co-design. Researchers from Utrecht University, the Rathenau Institute, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and others work together with ROMs and stakeholders to better understand what sustainable entrepreneurs need in order to thrive.

The approach results in regional dashboards, roadmaps, and a learning community. These enable involved organizations to continuously improve their policies and support — even after the project ends. In this way, ESMEE contributes to stronger societal and economic earning capacity across the Netherlands.

€250,000 will be used as a PPP program grant.