Dutch Government Commits to Triple Research Investment Under New Innovation Strategy
The Hague, Thursday, 5 March 2026.
The Netherlands’ Jetten cabinet pledges to reach the ambitious European target of investing 3% of GDP in research and development, potentially transforming the country’s innovation landscape. Science policy advisor Mirjam van Praag outlined the government’s comprehensive approach on national radio, including establishing a national investment institution and disruptive innovation agency to strengthen both national and regional innovation ecosystems across priority sectors like healthcare, climate, and mobility.
Strategic Framework for Innovation Investment
Speaking on Radio 1 on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Mirjam van Praag detailed how the new cabinet’s coalition agreement could represent a genuine breakthrough in placing innovation for societal resilience at the top of the political agenda [1]. The government’s strategy to reach the European Union’s 3% of GDP investment target in research and innovation centers on three key instruments: establishing a national investment institution, creating an agency for disruptive innovation, and investing in innovation ecosystems at both national and regional levels [1]. These proposed innovation instruments align well with previous advice from the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (AWTI), where van Praag serves as an advisor [1].
Targeted Societal Challenges Drive Policy Direction
Van Praag expressed particular enthusiasm about the new cabinet’s prioritization of crucial societal issues, including healthcare, climate, mobility, equal opportunities, housing, energy, and infrastructure [1]. However, she emphasized that additional steps are necessary to ensure innovation policy effectively contributes to solving these societal challenges [1]. The advisor suggested that the proposed national investment institution should incorporate conditions requiring innovation projects to contribute to addressing societal challenges, recognizing that technological innovation alone is insufficient [1]. According to van Praag, social and institutional innovation, along with behavioral change, are equally important for achieving meaningful transformation and genuine breakthroughs [1].
Collaborative Innovation Models Take Shape
The timing of van Praag’s radio appearance coincided with significant developments in Dutch innovation ecosystems. On the same day, the Alliance VU-UT announced the launch of MOVE – Mobilizing Optimal Vitality & Exercise, a new knowledge center for sport, exercise, and health, following three years of preparation [2]. This collaborative initiative between Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, ROC Aventus, and the Municipality of Apeldoorn demonstrates the structural and sustained partnership model that the government seeks to replicate [2]. The MOVE center will serve residents of Apeldoorn across all age groups and athletic abilities, developing applications for talent development, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and healthy lifestyle promotion through innovative projects, sensor technology, data analysis, and artificial intelligence [2].
Leadership Transitions Amid Policy Implementation
Van Praag’s radio appearance occurred just four days after she stepped down as a member of the Supervisory Board of De Nederlandsche Bank on March 1, 2026 [3]. She departed the central bank position to focus on activities that better align with entrepreneurship and innovation, having held another main position since 2025 [3]. This transition reflects the broader emphasis on innovation leadership within Dutch institutions, as the country positions itself to meet ambitious research and development investment targets. The comprehensive innovation strategy outlined during her Radio 1 interview represents a coordinated effort to transform how the Netherlands approaches technological advancement and societal problem-solving through strategic public and private sector collaboration [1].