As cities evolve, innovation districts are reshaping urban development by integrating living, working, and learning into dynamic ecosystems. Unlike traditional science parks, these districts are open, flexible, and deeply connected to their urban surroundings. Their strength lies in fostering cross-sector collaboration and human interaction.

Arup was engaged to provide strategic support for the RDM Campus within the Rotterdam Makers District. The client sought guidance to enhance the campus’s role as a thriving innovation hub, bringing together education, research, and industry to create the right conditions for collaboration and long-term success.

We provided strategic advice, facilitated stakeholder engagement, and supported the development of a shared vision and ambition for the RDM and M4H areas.

Innovation campuses like RDM are vital to the future of sustainable industry and education. By supporting its strategic development, we contribute to a stronger innovation ecosystem in Rotterdam and help accelerate the transition to a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.

Developing an integrated strategic framework

Arup’s advisory team worked closely with stakeholders across the Rotterdam Makers District to shape a future-proof strategy for the RDM Campus. Through a series of workshops and consultations, we helped define a shared ambition and strategic objectives that reflect the district’s unique potential as a hub for applied innovation.

Our integrated approach combined urban strategy, governance, and design thinking to ensure the campus could evolve with the needs of its users. We facilitated alignment between educational institutions, industry partners, and the municipality, laying the groundwork for a collaborative and resilient innovation ecosystem.

The result is a strategic framework that positions RDM as a catalyst for sustainable industry and technical education, supporting the growth of startups, scale-ups, and research initiatives in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking port areas.

Rdm Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Makers District reimagines former port land as a hybrid maritime–urban hub, where industry, education, and innovation come together to drive sustainable manufacturing, the energy transition and the circular economy, connecting the port to the city and its people.
A building with a lot of bikes parked outside.
Rdm framework

Image copyright: Delva Landscape Architecture / Urbanism, 2019  

Partners & collaborators

Havenbedrijf Rotterdam / Hogeschool Rotterdam en Techniek College Rotterdam en Gemeente Rotterdam