Dutch Council Calls for Increase in Research and Innovation Funding
The Hague, Thursday, 10 July 2025.
The Advisory Council for Science and Technology Policy urges the Dutch government to invest 0.5% of national income into research and innovation to address global challenges.
The Call for Increased Funding
On 9 July 2025, the Advisory Council for Science and Technology Policy (AWTI) made an urgent appeal to the Dutch government for a substantial increase in research and innovation funding, urging them to allocate an additional 0.5% of the national income toward these areas. This recommendation comes in response to significant cuts imposed by the caretaker cabinet, which are jeopardizing the country’s competitive edge and ability to tackle pressing global issues like climate change and technological advancements in artificial intelligence [1].
The Economic Context and Impacts
With neighboring countries and global powerhouses elevating their investment levels in innovation, AWTI emphasizes that failing to act could weaken the Netherlands’ economic position. The organization argues that sustained investments would not only prevent innovative companies from relocating abroad but also attract private funding through a multiplier effect. This approach aims to create a stable investment climate that fosters innovation, essential for a resilient economy [1]. On the same note, the Dutch government’s austerity measures, which include a planned 14% reduction in research and development spending by 2029, have sparked significant concern among educational institutions and the research community, with further anticipated cuts expected to exacerbate existing challenges [5].
Current Investment Environment
Despite the austerity, significant investments are being seen in specific sectors. For instance, the global quantum technology market is witnessing substantial growth, with worldwide investments exceeding $55.7 billion as of March 2024, reflecting the strategic importance technological innovations hold globally [3]. Meanwhile, the private sector has made notable investments in sustainable technology solutions, such as CVFFund’s recent $100 million commitment to energy tech, which targets advanced energy storage solutions to reshape power systems [6]. These trends underscore the critical necessity for matching public investment efforts [1].
Looking Forward
AWTI asserts that without a legislative commitment to sustained funding in innovation and research, the Netherlands risks falling behind in addressing both current and future societal challenges. The urgency of the council’s recommendation is set against a backdrop of the global race towards technological and scientific leadership, highlighting that increased investments can foster national resilience in the face of disruptions such as climate change and market volatility. As the political uncertainty continues with the caretaker cabinet, the call for action remains a pivotal subject for the upcoming legislative review [1][5].