Dutch Regional Agencies Invest €1 Billion in Innovation
Amsterdam, Monday, 4 August 2025.
Since 2021, Dutch regional development companies have invested €1 billion to support over 2,500 SMEs in innovation, fostering economic growth and sustainability.
Investment Impact on SMEs
The collective investment of €1 billion by the nine regional development companies (ROMs) in the Netherlands has significantly boosted the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) since 2021. Over 2,500 SMEs have benefited from this initiative, advancing in innovation, internationalization, and business growth. These efforts aim to enhance the Dutch innovation ecosystem, ultimately supporting sustainable economic growth and competitive advantage in the global market [1][2][5].
Focus on Sustainable Innovation
The ROMs’ funding strategy not only emphasizes business growth but also prioritizes sustainability in their projects. A noteworthy example is the collaboration of Noord-Holland’s DOPS, which has been using Direct Carbon Immobilization technology to transform waste into valuable resources like syngas and activated carbon. This initiative showcases the ROMs’ commitment to environmental sustainability, demonstrating a marked reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional methods [1].
Strategic Autonomy and Economic Growth
The investment aligns with broader European strategies promoting strategic autonomy and reduced dependency on international powers. By nurturing regional capabilities in innovation and sustainability, the Netherlands is reinforcing its economic resilience. The approach has been instrumental in attracting foreign investments, with 155 foreign businesses bringing in over €2 billion to the Dutch economy and creating over 4,500 high-quality jobs [1][2].
Future Prospects and Government Support
Looking forward, the continued collaboration among regional, national, and European agencies is crucial. The ROMs have demonstrated that their model can effectively drive dynamic enterprise development by providing access to vital knowledge, capital, and networks. This is essential for maintaining the strategic economic position of the Netherlands within Europe and globally. There is a pressing call for ongoing support from governmental bodies to further these initiatives as they foster innovation and regional economic integration [5][6].