Dutch Entrepreneurs Urge Policy Shift Towards Productivity and Innovation
The Hague, Friday, 4 July 2025.
Netherlands’ leading business groups emphasize policy reforms to enhance productivity and innovation amid economic stagnation, urging lawmakers to address low investment levels and improve competitiveness.
Call for Strategic Policy Reforms
VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland, as well as stakeholders from sectors such as technology and manufacturing, are urging the Tweede Kamer to prioritize productivity and innovation. This request comes in preparation for the upcoming debate on the State of the Economy in the Netherlands. The organizations highlight that Dutch productivity has been stagnating and investment levels have remained low. Consequently, they argue for a coherent strategy that would enhance the country’s competitiveness through increased productivity and innovation [1].
Economic Pressures and Industry Challenges
The Dutch economy, while experiencing mild growth primarily through government expenditure, still faces underlying weaknesses marked by declining investments and reduced business confidence. The stakeholders have pointed out that without a renewed focus on productivity growth, the Dutch industry will continue to suffer. They emphasize the urgent need for a level playing field with neighboring countries, particularly given the challenges posed by high energy prices and policy discrepancies at European and national levels [1][2].
Proposals for Improved Innovation Landscape
To address these economic challenges, VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland stress the necessity of establishing a new investment agenda that holistically supports innovation. This agenda should include increased spending on research and development, consistent financing for innovative enterprises, and better access to capital for startups. Furthermore, there is a call for reducing bureaucratic hurdles and providing more physical space for business activities, as acknowledged in the recent government’s Spatial Economic Vision report [1].
The Path Ahead: Political Commitment Needed
Entrepreneurs and industry leaders insist that a meaningful recovery and growth of the Dutch economy hinge upon strong and consistent policy interventions from the government. The impending discussions in the Tweede Kamer present a crucial opportunity for lawmakers to translate these calls into actionable policy frameworks. As the pressure mounts, the focus remains on fostering a business environment that aligns productivity enhancements with broader economic objectives [2].