The Province of South Holland, together with partners, has completed the digitalization program Datawerf. Over the past years, Datawerf has helped nearly thirty companies from the maritime and manufacturing industries take their digital steps. The successful approach now continues structurally within DigitalZH, the European digital innovation hub for our region.

Targeted Support for Maritime and Manufacturing Companies

Many SMEs in the maritime sector and manufacturing industry know that digitalization is necessary to remain competitive but find it difficult to get started. The Datawerf program offered these entrepreneurs practical support. Companies received a digital expert in-house for six weeks who thought along, analyzed, and helped to develop a concrete business case. A large part of the costs was reimbursed, enabling companies to participate easily.

In total, about 30 companies, ranging from smaller specialized manufacturing firms to maritime suppliers with international customers, took advantage of this offer. They gave the support a high rating and already took concrete digital steps during the process. More than 80 percent of entrepreneurs now indicate they can make better-informed choices about digital investments. Many continue independently or join the follow-up program DigitalZH.

Important for the Region

Deputy Arne Weverling emphasizes the importance of the maritime sector for South Holland. “South Holland is the largest maritime region in the Netherlands and the engine behind innovations in the sector. But many maritime companies lack the time and capacity to accelerate digital transformation within their own walls. Datawerf proves that with the right support, companies can not only innovate but also become more agile, competitive, and future-proof.”

The Province of South Holland contributed a total of €200,000 to Datawerf; MRDH and the municipality of Rotterdam also invested in the program. The regional development agency InnovationQuarter executed the program.

The Next Step: DigitalZH

Now that Datawerf is completed, the approach continues structurally within DigitalZH. This European digital innovation hub supports SMEs in digitalization and cyber resilience, focusing on maritime, manufacturing, and horticulture sectors. Companies developing digital solutions for these sectors can also turn to DigitalZH.

Deputy Meindert Stolk sees many opportunities in the new approach. “Datawerf has shown that targeted support really helps entrepreneurs move forward. That is why I am pleased that we can now embed this successful approach within DigitalZH. This way, we can reach more companies and support new sectors. We continue to help SMEs become digitally stronger and build a future-proof economy in South Holland together.”

Within DigitalZH, companies can count on various forms of support, such as a free intake meeting, technology advice, test facilities, training, and help finding financing.

Collaboration Makes Stronger

At the completion of Datawerf, entrepreneurs, experts, and officials from the province and partners municipality of Rotterdam, MRDH, InnovationQuarter, and TU Delft were present. During this visit, the results and continuation within DigitalZH were highlighted. The province remains one of the financiers and clients in the new situation, in close collaboration with the program partners.

The Follow-up

DigitalZH will be further expanded in the coming period. The services of Datawerf will be fully integrated into the offer from 2026, so companies in South Holland will continue to have access to practical support for digital growth. Curious what DigitalZH can mean for your company? Read more at www.digitalzh.nl (opens in a new window).

Photo source: InnovationQuarter

Photo caption: Entrepreneurs, experts, and partners closed the successful Datawerf program on November 28, 2025.