Dutch Tech CEOs Call for Focused Investment in Deep Tech
Netherlands, Friday, 28 June 2024.
CEOs of Dutch scale-ups urge for targeted investment in deep tech to boost innovation and maintain global competitiveness. They emphasize the critical role of deep tech in the Netherlands’ future technological growth and sustainability.
An Urgent Call to Action
On 28 June 2024, ten prominent CEOs from deep tech scale-ups in the Netherlands issued an urgent appeal to the new Dutch government. They emphasized the pressing need for focused investments in deep tech to ensure the nation’s continued innovation and competitive edge on the global stage. These leaders argue that deep tech, encompassing advanced fields such as AI, robotics, and green hydrogen, is pivotal for the Netherlands’ technological and economic future[1].
Lagging Behind Global Competitors
The CEOs highlighted a troubling disparity: deep tech scale-ups in the Netherlands are growing at a pace four times slower than their counterparts in the United States. This lag is attributed to inconsistent policies, slow allocation of subsidies, and a general reluctance towards risk-taking by both the government and investors. The call to action underscores the necessity for a cohesive strategy and expedited financial support to enable these companies to thrive[1].
Government’s Role in Innovation
The Dutch government has identified ten key technologies crucial for the country’s future. However, the CEOs stress that merely identifying these technologies is insufficient. They advocate for decisive governmental action, including faster allocation of subsidies and loans, to support the growth of deep tech companies. They also call for preferential treatment of Dutch scale-ups in procurement processes to foster local innovation[1].
International Context: NATO’s Investment in Deep Tech
The call from Dutch CEOs comes at a time when international entities like NATO are making significant strides in deep tech investment. NATO’s recent €1 billion fund aims to revolutionize manufacturing, advance AI, and boost deep tech startups across Europe, including the Netherlands. This fund supports early-stage innovators, emphasizing the importance of capital availability and strategic investment in emerging technologies[2][3].
Building a Sustainable Future
A key focus of the Dutch CEOs’ appeal is the development of a complete value chain for green hydrogen production, which could serve as a new revenue stream for the Netherlands. They argue that technological innovations with societal impact require not only financial backing but also a collaborative effort from the government, banks, investors, and companies. The CEOs are prepared to work closely with responsible ministers to shape and implement a new industrial policy that ensures the Netherlands remains at the forefront of technological advancement[1].
Conclusion
The message from the Dutch deep tech CEOs is clear: to secure a prosperous and sustainable future, the Netherlands must embrace a focused and swift approach to deep tech investment. As global competition intensifies, the nation’s ability to innovate and lead in advanced technologies will determine its economic trajectory. The collaboration between the government and the tech sector is crucial in realizing this vision and maintaining the Netherlands’ competitive edge in the global market[1][2].