Clarity in Innovation Policy is Key, Says Dutch Patent Expert
Amsterdam, Monday, 23 June 2025.
Marco Coolen, a patent attorney, argues that predictability and clear policies in innovation are more effective than subsidies for enhancing Dutch private sector investment.
The Argument for Policy Clarity
Marco Coolen, a Dutch and European patent attorney, recently voiced his opinion that clarity in innovation policies is crucial for driving Dutch private sector investment. According to Coolen, a lack of clear governmental guidelines is seen as a significant impediment to innovation among entrepreneurs in the Netherlands [7].
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
The Netherlands lags behind other European nations like Denmark and Germany in terms of private sector investment in innovation. Denmark has dedicated 1% of its GDP to publicly funded research and development since 2010, fostering a stable environment that has helped it lead in wind energy production [7]. In Germany, consistent long-term agreements between federal and state governments have provided the predictability necessary for companies to invest with confidence [7].
The Downside of Short-term Subsidies
Coolen argues that one-off subsidies, sporadic capital injections, and frequent policy shifts are counterproductive to fostering a sustainable innovative environment. Instead, he advocates for a strategic focus on well-defined, durable policies that allow innovations to flourish naturally over time [7]. This perspective echoes Belgium’s success, where regional specialization supported by a consistent fiscal climate has bolstered sectors such as biotech and aerospace [7].
Striving for Long-term Commitments
Coolen uses the analogy of ‘good wine’ to describe innovation policy, emphasizing that both require time to mature and improve. He insists that the Dutch government should outline clear choices and adhere to them persistently, giving entrepreneurs the confidence to invest in long-term innovations [7]. His vision for Dutch innovation policy is aimed at achieving the kind of market leadership seen in neighboring countries, where predictability has driven significant contributions by the private sector [7].