Dutch Government Plans 3% GDP Investment in Research by 2030

Dutch Government Plans 3% GDP Investment in Research by 2030

2025-07-15 community

The Hague, Tuesday, 15 July 2025.
The Netherlands aims to invest 3% of GDP in research to close the innovation gap by 2030, enhancing global competitiveness.

A Vision for the Future

On 15 July 2025, the Dutch government, led by Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans, announced ambitious plans to boost research and development (R&D) investment to 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030. This decision marks a significant increase from the current investment level of 2.2% of GDP, highlighting an urgent need to close the innovation gap with leading global economies such as the United States, South Korea, and Germany [1][2].

Strategic Actions to Propel Growth

The strategy involves a multifaceted approach to stimulate innovation across various sectors. Key actions include establishing a National Agency for Disruptive Innovation (NADI) to act as a primary customer for promising technologies and creating platforms to attract and nourish knowledge-intensive companies [1]. A notable proposal is to encourage investments from major financial players, including pension funds, with a target to inject €3 billion into innovative startups [1][2]. This initiative is expected to facilitate the scaling up of technology companies and drive the commercial application of academic research, fostering a robust environment for knowledge valorization [1].

Tackling Societal Challenges

Furthermore, the plan includes additional support for regional programs aimed at enhancing technical skills, such as the Reinforcement Plan Microchip Talent and Techkwadraat [1]. To tackle labor shortages, there is an emphasis on technologies that can reduce labor dependence [1]. The Dutch government also seeks to increase participation in European innovation subsidies, addressing current shortfalls in national matching funds, which have historically limited access to crucial European funding opportunities [2].

A Collaborative Future

Minister Karremans reiterated the importance of earning revenue before expenditure in this expansive R&D plan, reflecting a disciplined fiscal approach. The proposals have drawn support from significant organizations such as TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), ROM-Nederland, and VNO-NCW, illustrating a collective national effort to enhance innovation [1][2]. Additionally, improvements in existing innovation schemes, such as the WBSO tax benefits and public-private collaboration allowances, intend to simplify and accelerate company efforts in innovation [1].

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innovation investment economic growth