Dutch Regional Agencies Channel €1 Billion Into Innovation
Amsterdam, Sunday, 27 July 2025.
Since 2021, nine regional development agencies in the Netherlands have invested €1 billion in innovation, supporting 2,500 SMEs in enhancing their global competitiveness.
Innovative Leap Forward
The nine regional development agencies in the Netherlands have collectively invested over €1 billion into innovation projects and business development since 2021. This effort has supported more than 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their innovation, investment, and internationalization capabilities. These investments underline the nation’s strategic intent to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and enable SMEs to compete effectively on a global scale [1].
Strategic Impact and Highlights from 2024
In 2024 alone, the agencies directed €236 million towards 538 innovation projects, part of the cumulative €1 billion investment since 2021. Additionally, €215 million was earmarked for investments in 367 companies within the same year, expanding the agencies’ portfolio to 1,137 innovative enterprises. This substantial financial push has also attracted 155 foreign companies, which together contributed over €2 billion to the Dutch economy, expected to create more than 4,500 high-quality jobs in the coming years [1][2].
Regional Contributions and Technological Innovations
Each region within the Netherlands has seen specific contributions to groundbreaking innovations. For instance, in Noord-Holland, DOPS Recycling Technologies is employed to transform waste into valuable materials using its Direct Carbon Immobilization technology, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods [2]. Such initiatives exemplify how regional investments can drive sustainability and innovation, reinforcing the overarching goals of strategic autonomy and economic resilience for the Netherlands [1].
Future Prospects and Collaborations
Looking forward, the successful approach adopted by the regional development agencies—financed through regional, national, and European resources—aims to further accelerate societal transitions and sustainable earning potentials. As stated by Wendy de Jong, the chairperson of ROM Nederland, the continued focus on innovative entrepreneurship is essential for placing Dutch companies on the international stage. The next few years will be pivotal in extending and strengthening these collaborative efforts to ensure continued innovation leadership [2].