Investing in Research and Innovation: A Necessity for Dutch Economic Growth
Delft, Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Investment in research and innovation returns 11 euros for every euro spent, underscoring its importance for the Dutch economy. Collaboration between universities, government, and businesses drives societal solutions.
Economic Benefits of Research Investments
Recent evaluations by the European Commission highlight that every euro invested in research through programs like Horizon Europe returns approximately 11 euros to the economy. This statistic emphasizes the critical role of sustained investment in research and innovation for economic growth in the Netherlands [1].
University-Industry Collaborations
Dutch universities, such as Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), are at the forefront of fostering partnerships between academia and industry. These collaborations lead to the development of innovative solutions, such as a robotics project that aims to address labor shortages in the construction sector by automating the mortar pointing process. This project, co-financed by construction industry group Bouwend Nederland, exemplifies the practical impact of academic research on industry [1].
Strategic National Investments
The Netherlands aims to increase its investment in research and development (R&D) to 3% of its GDP by 2030. This goal necessitates additional public investments, with €2 billion needed in 2026 and €3.5 billion by 2029. These investments are expected to catalyze private sector funding, significantly boosting the nation’s R&D capacity and maintaining its competitive edge in the global market [2].
Addressing Societal Challenges
Beyond economic returns, investments in research and innovation are crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges. Initiatives such as the AMS Institute’s work on sustainable urban solutions demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of research investments. Their efforts have already resulted in substantial cost savings for maintaining Amsterdam’s infrastructure, showcasing the societal value of innovation [1].