Dutch Agencies Invest €1 Billion to Boost Innovation
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
Since 2021, Dutch regional agencies have invested €1 billion in over 2,500 SMEs, enhancing innovation and economic growth by focusing on internationalization and sustainable advancements.
Strategic Investments in Innovation
The nine regional development agencies (ROMs) of the Netherlands have collectively invested over €1 billion since 2021 to enhance the nation’s innovation capacity, focusing on business development and sustainable growth. This substantial investment has empowered more than 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to advance in areas such as innovation, investment, and internationalization [1].
Regional Contributions to Economic Growth
ROM InWest, representing the province of North-Holland, has played a crucial role in strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. Through collaboration with other ROMs, it has facilitated access to knowledge, capital, and networks for entrepreneurs, thus contributing to increased labor productivity and the earning capacity of the Dutch economy. This approach aligns with the overarching goal of enhancing the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands [1].
Significant Outcomes in 2024
In 2024, the ROMs invested €236 million in 538 innovation projects, bringing the total since 2021 to €1 billion. Additionally, €215 million was invested in 367 companies, expanding the portfolio to 1,137 innovative enterprises. The ROMs also attracted 155 foreign companies, leading to investments exceeding €2 billion in the Dutch economy and creating over 4,500 high-quality jobs in the coming years [1].
Innovative Examples Across Regions
Every region in the Netherlands has seen concrete contributions to groundbreaking innovations. For example, in North-Holland, DOPS utilizes Direct Carbon Immobilization technology to convert waste into valuable products like synthetic gas and activated carbon, reducing CO₂ emissions significantly compared to traditional methods [1].