Amsterdam as a changing node in financial services

Abstract. In this paper the development of Amsterdam as a node in financial Services is investigated. The context is one of competition between large and smaller cities, based on changing location factors and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The analysis of the development of Amsterdam Starts with an historical explanation of the concentration of financial Services here. It proceeds with a discussion on the changing position in the past decade, both in the national and European System of cities. Further, various Strategie adjustments by financial firms connected with the e-economy are identified. The results of the study indicate that the position of Amsterdam in the Dutch urban System is not challenged. Among European cities, however, Amsterdam is trying to regain ground by specialization and moving to partly related ICT-activity. The latter shift is supported by an excellent infrastructure and the open and international character of the city and its population. But there are also less favorable conditions, such as in the labor market and real estate market. The paper concludes with some of the implications for urban policy.