Dutch Regional Agencies Invest €1 Billion to Boost Innovation
Amsterdam, Monday, 25 August 2025.
Since 2021, Dutch regional agencies have invested over €1 billion, supporting more than 2,500 SMEs in innovation, crucially enhancing economic resilience and global competitiveness.
Investment Impact Across Regions
The regional development agencies (ROMs) in the Netherlands have channeled more than €1 billion into fostering innovation and business development throughout the country since 2021. This substantial investment has benefited over 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), bolstering their innovative capabilities in various sectors [1].
Key Contributions and Results in 2024
In 2024 alone, the ROMs invested approximately €236 million in 538 innovation projects, which significantly contributed to the collective investment milestone of €1 billion since 2021. Moreover, €215 million was allocated towards 367 companies, expanding the total portfolio to 1,137 innovative enterprises [1]. These efforts have also attracted 155 foreign companies, resulting in over €2 billion of investments in the Dutch economy, set to create more than 4,500 high-quality jobs in the coming years [2].
ROM InWest and Strategic Initiatives
ROM InWest, operating within North Holland, has played a prominent role by investing €1.15 million in digital freight network Quicargo to support the launch of the world’s first zero-emission freight network and improve supply chain transparency through innovative software development [3]. These initiatives are integral to sustainability goals and operational efficiency within the logistics sector, which is responsible for a significant percentage of road traffic emissions in Europe [3].
Driving Sustainable and Resilient Growth
The ROMs’ initiatives exemplify how investments at the regional level contribute to national and international success stories. By providing access to knowledge, capital, and robust networks, they amplify productivity and strategic autonomy, crucial for the Dutch economy amidst international challenges. These contributions to innovation create a pathway toward sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage [1].