Dutch ROMs Invest €1 Billion to Boost SME Innovation

2025-11-28 community

Amsterdam, Friday, 28 November 2025.
Dutch regional development companies invested over €1 billion in innovation since 2021, supporting 2,500 SMEs in areas like investment and internationalization to tackle climate and economic challenges.

Driving Regional Innovation

The nine regional development companies (ROMs) in the Netherlands have collectively invested over €1 billion in innovation projects and business development since 2021. This initiative has supported more than 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to enhance their capabilities in innovation, investment, and internationalization. This effort highlights the significant role these companies play in strengthening the Dutch innovation ecosystem, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and economic fluctuations [1].

Substantial Investments and Economic Impact

In 2024 alone, ROMs invested €236 million through 538 innovation projects, bringing their total contribution to innovation since 2021 to €1 billion. Additionally, they invested €215 million in 367 companies in the same year, expanding their portfolio to 1,137 innovative enterprises. The ROMs’ strategic investments have not only supported domestic firms but also attracted 155 foreign companies, which invested over €2 billion in the Dutch economy, creating more than 4,500 high-value jobs [1].

Showcasing Regional Success Stories

ROMs have actively contributed to groundbreaking innovations across various regions. For instance, in Noord-Holland, DOPS Recycling Technologies is making strides in sustainability with its Direct Carbon Immobilization technology. This approach efficiently converts waste streams into reusable products like synthetic gas and activated carbon, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods [1].

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Innovation Momentum

The ROMs’ collaborative approach, funded by regional, national, and European sources, aims to accelerate societal transitions and ensure sustainable economic growth. According to Wendy de Jong, Chair of ROM Nederland, continuing and strengthening this methodology is crucial for positioning Dutch enterprises on the international stage. This collaborative effort is essential for maintaining the country’s strategic autonomy and enhancing its economic resilience [1].

Bronnen

innovation investment regional development