How can we work together to secure enough digital talent in Haaglanden? On 22 September, that question brought more than a hundred professionals from education, government and business together at the Dutch Innovation Factory in Zoetermeer. GameLab attended to share our approach and showcase applied games. The resulting conversations showed an interest in what students and organisations can create together.
The Digital Talent Coalition Haaglanden was launched during the annual event. The coalition brings together the communities around the Dutch Innovation Factory, The Hague Tech, Security Delta (HSD) and the municipality of The Hague, among others. Its starting point: no employer can solve the digital talent shortage alone. The partners aim to extend the approach that works on campus throughout the Haaglanden region, taking employers' needs as their starting point.
Learning by making
At GameLab, we recognise this connection between education and practice. Students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences work with us, under supervision, on games and interactive applications. Sometimes projects begin with students' own ideas; often the request comes from an organisation. This gives students experience with a real client, while the client can explore new possibilities.
At the annual event, we explained how this works and demonstrated applied games. A game can help make a complicated subject understandable or allow people to practise a situation safely. GameLab students are currently working on projects involving cybersecurity in ports, the energy transition and healthcare technology, among others. This variety made conversations with visitors interesting: what could an interactive approach mean for their organisation?
Continuing the conversation and working together
The interest in examples such as InnovA58 and in our approach created a welcome starting point for new conversations. For us, the annual event shows what regional collaboration can deliver in practice: employers bring challenges, students develop their skills and together we investigate which solutions work.
Does your organisation have a challenge that a game, simulation or another interactive application could help address? Contact GameLab. We would be happy to explore it with you.