Dutch Private R&D Landscape: New Insights and Strategic Implications
Groningen, Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
A TNO report reveals the evolving private R&D landscape in the Netherlands, urging stakeholders to leverage strategic funding for innovation, highlighting Groningen’s AI factory as a key example.
Overview of the Dutch R&D Landscape
The recent TNO report published on December 1, 2025, offers a comprehensive analysis of the private R&D landscape in the Netherlands. It emphasizes the critical role of strategic funding in driving innovation, with the AI factory in Groningen serving as a prime illustration of effective use of European resources [1]. The report underscores the importance of such initiatives in maintaining the Netherlands’ competitive edge in the global market [2].
Sectoral Contributions and Regional Development
The TNO report highlights the diversity of sectors contributing to R&D, with ASML, Philips, and Booking.com leading in semiconductors, healthcare, and digital services, respectively. Notably, TomTom and Shell have disclosed their R&D investments for the first time in years, reflecting a trend towards greater transparency and accountability [1]. The Eindhoven region continues to dominate in high-tech manufacturing, while the Amsterdam area emerges as a significant player in digital services, supported by new entrants like RELX and Meta [1][3].
Comparative Analysis and Investment Gaps
Despite these advancements, the Netherlands lags behind several EU countries in R&D spending relative to GDP, investing just over 2% compared to the EU’s leading nations like Sweden and Belgium, which exceed 3% [1]. This gap is primarily due to insufficient private sector investment in R&D, as many Dutch companies allocate a smaller portion of their revenue to research compared to their international counterparts [1].
Opportunities and Strategic Recommendations
The report identifies significant potential for increasing R&D intensity in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and information technology. By aligning more closely with European priorities for high-tech sectors, Dutch companies could enhance their productivity and secure additional European co-funding [1]. The call to action is clear: stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem must strategically leverage available funds to foster sustainable growth and development [1].