Dutch Regional Companies Drive €1 Billion Innovation Surge

2025-09-12 community

Amsterdam, Friday, 12 September 2025.
Nine regional development companies in the Netherlands invested over €1 billion in innovation, aiding 2,500 SMEs since 2021, enhancing competitiveness and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.

Transformative Investment in Innovation

The nine regional development companies (ROMs) in the Netherlands have collectively invested over €1 billion in innovation projects and business development since 2021. These investments have significantly boosted the innovation capabilities of over 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors, including technology and sustainability. This funding plays a crucial role in enhancing the Netherlands’ competitiveness and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem [1].

Impact on Regional Ecosystems

ROM InWest, for instance, has focused on strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem in Noord-Holland, providing entrepreneurs access to knowledge, capital, and a strong network. This strategic approach has resulted in higher labor productivity and an increase in the Netherlands’ economic earning capacity while enhancing its strategic autonomy [1].

Highlighting Specific Projects

Among the notable projects, DOPS in Noord-Holland is working on Direct Carbon Immobilization technology to convert waste into valuable resources like synthetic gas and activated carbon. This innovation is particularly noteworthy for its lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional methods, addressing the pressing issue of carbon emissions [1].

Future Prospects and Strategic Goals

The ROMs’ collaborative efforts, financed by regional, national, and European sources, aim to accelerate societal transitions and achieve sustainable economic growth. Continuing this approach is deemed essential for positioning Dutch companies on the international stage and maintaining momentum in innovative entrepreneurship [1].

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innovation funding regional development