Daniel Howell: High Tech Thrives When International Talent Feels at Home
Innovation Starts With People
For Daniel Howell, innovation is not just about groundbreaking technology or visionary ideas. It is about people. “If the world’s brightest minds do not feel welcome, they will not stay. And without them, our high-tech ecosystem cannot grow,” he says. As the director of Quantum Delft, a thriving hub for quantum technology in South Holland, Daniel, who generally goes by Dan, sees every day how essential international talent is for building the future and how The Hague International Centre helps make that future possible.
A Family Life Built Across Continents
Dan’s story is shaped by the same internationalism that drives his work. Originally from the United Kingdom, he met his Dutch wife while completing his PhD in London. Their life together has taken them across continents, from the UK to Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands with their two children. “Our kids have two passports, two mother tongues, and a foot in two worlds,” he says. “They are as international as the work I do. For us, home has always been where the opportunity to build something exciting is strongest.”
“Talent is everywhere. But talent only stays where life feels possible, not just where the work is exciting.”
A Global Tech Ecosystem Needs a Global Workforce
At Quantum Delft, Dan works with start-ups emerging from TU Delft, helping them secure investment, connect with industry, and grow from research-driven teams into companies capable of competing globally. The work is cutting-edge, but he emphasises that technology cannot advance without the right people. “Quantum technology will not be solved by one university or one company. It is a global challenge. That is why we need people from all over the world and why the ecosystem here must make them feel like they belong,” he says with conviction and a sense of leadership.
Clearing the Path for Start-Ups and Talent
One of the biggest hurdles he sees is how young companies can attract and retain this talent while still finding their footing. Many do not have the time or expertise to navigate visas, housing, or cultural onboarding for international hires. This is where The Hague International Centre becomes a crucial partner. “The Centre helps start-ups understand what is needed before problems arise,” he explains. “From visa advice to local registrations, they remove obstacles so these companies can focus on growing their ideas instead of getting lost in red tape.”
“Making a new hire feel welcome does not just help the employee. It helps the entire company grow with confidence.”
The Power of a Smooth Landing
Dan knows first hand how important it is to make a smooth landing. While his Dutch wife was able to guide their family through most of the practical steps when they moved to the Netherlands, he has lived in places where settling in was far more complicated. “In one country, I spent six weeks unable to get the documents I needed just to prove I could live and work there,” he recalls chuckling in disbelief. “Experiences like that can make someone reconsider whether to stay long term. When the first steps are easy, it makes a huge difference in how people feel about building a life.”
Finding Joy in the Details of Dutch Life
Outside of the world of quantum technology, Dan has embraced Dutch life in his own way. He enjoys the simplicity of biking everywhere, though he still marvels at the sight of locals balancing furniture and entire shopping hauls on two wheels, he recounts witnessing such sights with awe in his eyes. Dutch directness and structured social calendars took some adjustment, but he now sees their value. “It can feel rigid at first, but I have learned to appreciate how much easier it makes life when people are clear and organised,” he says. His Dutch tastes extend to the classics: fresh herring when it is in season and a plate of bitterballen with a beer.
Raising International Kids in a City That Feels Like Home
Family life is another reason he feels settled here. His children move easily between English and Dutch and feel at home in both cultures. Their visits to places like the Children’s Book Museum in The Hague have become part of their family routine, offering experiences that connect to both their Dutch environment and their international roots. “That is the beauty of living here,” he says. “You do not have to give up who you are to belong.”
The Centre That Helps People Stay for the Long Haul
For Dan, The Hague International Centre plays a key role in ensuring that others can find that same sense of belonging. By helping start-ups recruit and support talent and by assisting new arrivals in building their lives, the Centre strengthens not only individuals but the innovation ecosystem as a whole. “When talent feels welcome, they stay. And when they stay, they help build the future,” he says.
The Hague International Centre 15 Year Anniversary
If you are new to The Hague, supporting newcomers, or working to grow a company that depends on international talent, visit the The Hague International Centre. Whether you are looking for information, inspiration, or collaboration, it is the place to start. Over the past 15 years, the International Centre has welcomed 60.000 internationals from all walks of life, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences.