Dutch Council Calls for Major Investment in Research and Innovation
Utrecht, Friday, 5 December 2025.
The Dutch Advisory Council recommends investing 0.5% of GDP annually, about 5 billion euros, in research and innovation to tackle challenges like healthcare and climate change.
Strategic Focus on Key Challenges
The Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (AWTI) has emphasized the urgency of addressing critical societal issues such as healthcare, climate change, and housing shortages through substantial investment. The council advocates for an annual allocation of 0.5% of the Netherlands’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equating to approximately 5 billion euros, to fund research and innovation initiatives. These investments aim to enhance the nation’s resilience and competitive edge in the global arena [1][2][3].
Learning from Past Initiatives
Past efforts, like the Economic Structure Strengthening Fund (Fonds Economische Structuurversterking) and the National Growth Fund (Nationaal Groeifonds), have faced criticism for their temporary nature and inefficient fund distribution. The AWTI suggests adopting a model similar to Flanders’ Strategic Research Centers, which operate with stable, politically independent funding aligned with specific objectives. This approach could serve as a blueprint for the Netherlands to ensure long-term effectiveness and accountability in research investments [1][2].
Pilot Projects and Political Strategy
To gain political support and demonstrate effectiveness, the AWTI recommends initiating pilot projects. These pilots would serve as a preliminary step towards broader systemic changes, allowing for the evaluation of outcomes and the garnering of support from policymakers. By starting small, the council believes it can build momentum for more extensive reforms in the future [1][2].
Current Political Context
As of December 2025, discussions led by Informateur Sybrand Buma are underway to establish the agenda for research and innovation funding, as advocated by political parties D66 and CDA. Although there is consensus on the need for increased investment, specific plans and allocations remain under negotiation. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the implementation of AWTI’s recommendations [1][2].