€1 Billion Invested in Dutch Innovation by Regional Development Companies
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 2 September 2025.
Since 2021, nine regional development companies in the Netherlands have invested over €1 billion, supporting 2,500 SMEs in innovation and internationalization, strengthening the country’s tech leadership.
Regional Development Companies Drive Innovation
The collective investment of over €1 billion by nine regional development companies (ROMs) in the Netherlands since 2021 marks a significant push towards enhancing innovation and business development across the country. These investments have supported over 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to innovate, invest, and internationalize, strengthening the Dutch innovation landscape [1].
Impact on Local Economies and Innovation
The ROMs’ contributions are crucial in boosting local economies by providing access to knowledge, capital, and networks. This initiative not only increases the productivity of the workforce but also enhances the earning capacity of the Dutch economy. By fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship, these development companies are key players in positioning the Netherlands as a leader in technological advancement [1][2].
Significant Achievements in 2024
In 2024 alone, €236 million was invested through 538 innovation projects, contributing to the €1 billion total since 2021. Additionally, €215 million was directed towards 367 companies, expanding the ROMs’ portfolio to 1,137 innovative enterprises. The attraction of 155 foreign companies, which collectively invested over €2 billion, further underscores the ROMs’ role in bolstering the Dutch economy and creating over 4,500 high-quality jobs [1].
Strategic Regional Contributions
Each region in the Netherlands benefits uniquely from the ROMs’ efforts. For example, in Noord-Holland, initiatives like the Direct Carbon Immobilization technology by DOPS are pivotal in transforming waste into valuable resources while reducing CO₂ emissions [1]. Such regional projects exemplify the ROMs’ commitment to sustainable growth and innovation across various sectors [3].