Netherlands Launches New Chemistry Sector Governance Framework to Replace Decade-Old Top Sectors Policy
The Hague, Friday, 2 January 2026.
The Dutch government officially launched its new Chemistry & Materials Sector Table on January 1, 2026, marking the end of the national top sectors approach that guided innovation policy for over a decade. Minister Sophie Hermans appointed four key industry leaders to the inaugural sector board, including Jacqueline Vaessen as chair and representatives from Avantium and University of Groningen. The new framework aims to accelerate market breakthroughs by strengthening collaboration between businesses, academia, and government in one of the Netherlands’ most knowledge-intensive industries.
New Leadership Structure Takes Effect
The transition from the national top sectors approach to the new sectoral governance model represents a fundamental shift in Dutch industrial policy. As of January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth initiated both the Sectortafel Chemie & Materialen and its associated Sectorbestuur Chemie & Materialen [1]. The current members of the former Topteam Chemie have been appointed as the first sector board, with Jacqueline Vaessen serving as chair, alongside Tom van Aken from Avantium, Moniek Tromp from the University of Groningen (RUG), and Karlo van Dam representing the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth [1].
Sustainable Vision Driving Reform
The new governance structure builds upon the foundation laid in October 2025, when Minister Sophie Hermans published the ‘Perspectief voor de Chemie’, which outlined a vision for a sustainable, competitive, and circular chemistry sector [1]. Minister Hermans emphasized the strategic importance of this transition, stating that “the chemistry and materials sector is one of our most innovative and knowledge-intensive sectors. With the new sector board, we strengthen cooperation between companies, the academic world, and the government, so that breakthroughs find their way to the market faster” [1]. This vision positions the Netherlands’ chemistry industry as a key driver of green innovation and circular economy principles.
Operational Framework and Future Planning
The Sectortafel Chemie & Materialen will operate through a structured approach, convening twice annually with representatives from industry, academia, financiers, and government [1]. The sector table is scheduled to meet for the first time in the first quarter of 2026, with Minister Hermans expected to announce the participating administrators in January 2026 [1]. To ensure continuity while allowing for fresh perspectives, the current board will undergo phased renewal starting in 2027 [1]. This timeline reflects a deliberate approach to maintaining stability during the transition period while preparing for long-term evolution of the governance structure.
Strategic Impact on Innovation Policy
The establishment of this new framework marks the conclusion of the landelijke topsectorenaanpak (national top sectors approach) that has been in place since the previous decade [1]. This policy evolution reflects the Dutch government’s recognition that the chemistry and materials sector requires specialized governance mechanisms to address contemporary challenges in sustainability and circular economy transformation. The new structure aims to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies by creating more direct pathways between research institutions, industry players, and government policy makers, positioning the Netherlands as a leader in sustainable chemical innovation within the European Union.