Netherlands and Japan's Scientific Partnership Drives Innovation
Netherlands, Friday, 16 May 2025.
A report reveals the Netherlands-Japan collaboration boasts fivefold greater scientific impact and drives cutting-edge advancements in quantum and photonics, yet only constitutes 4% of their research partnerships.
Exceptional Impact Metrics
The collaboration between these two technological powerhouses has yielded remarkable results. Research projects between the Netherlands and Japan demonstrate double the innovation impact and nearly four times the influence on policy compared to global averages [1]. Perhaps most notably, a quarter of Japanese-Dutch research initiatives emerge from public-private partnerships, significantly outperforming both countries’ individual rates of 7% and the global average of 3% [1].
Strategic Focus Areas
The partnership particularly excels in quantum technology and photonics, with collaborative activity exceeding global averages by significant margins. Quantum research shows more than twice the world average activity, while photonics collaboration reaches nearly four times the typical global level [1]. Building on this momentum, a new joint research initiative, ASPIRE 2025, has been launched, focusing on semiconductors, photonics, quantum, and neuromorphic technologies [2]. The program offers substantial funding support of up to 250 million JPY per project for Japanese research teams, with projects expected to commence in June 2026 [2].
Future Growth Potential
Despite the impressive impact metrics, there remains significant room for expansion in this scientific partnership. Currently, Japan ranks as the Netherlands’ 16th largest research partner, accounting for just 4% of joint research work [1]. To facilitate greater collaboration, an upcoming information session and matchmaking event is scheduled for June 3, 2025, aimed at connecting researchers from both nations [2]. The partnership’s potential will be showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, where the Dutch pavilion will demonstrate the countries’ shared commitment to innovation and sustainability [1].