€1 Billion Investment Fuels Dutch Innovation
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 22 October 2025.
Since 2021, regional development companies in the Netherlands have invested over €1 billion, supporting more than 2,500 SMEs in innovation and technological development, boosting the nation’s global competitiveness.
A Strategic Boost to Innovation
Since 2021, regional development companies in the Netherlands, known as ROMs, have collectively invested over €1 billion into innovation projects and business development initiatives. This significant financial commitment has supported more than 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as technological development, investment, and internationalization. The initiative underscores the Netherlands’ strategic effort to enhance its innovation landscape, thereby positioning itself as a formidable player in the global market [1].
Impact on the Economy
The investment by the ROMs has not only fostered innovation but also contributed to broader economic goals such as increasing labor productivity and enhancing the Netherlands’ economic earning capacity. In 2024 alone, €236 million was allocated to 538 innovation projects, boosting the total contribution to €1 billion since 2021. Additionally, €215 million was invested in 367 companies, expanding the ROMs’ portfolio to 1,137 innovative enterprises [1].
Driving Technological Advancement
ROM InWest, one of the regional development organizations, has played a pivotal role in advancing the regional innovation ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with access to knowledge, capital, and a robust network. For instance, in North Holland, DOPS Recycling Technologies has been working on converting waste streams into valuable resources using their Direct Carbon Immobilization technology, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods [1].
Future Prospects and International Expansion
Looking forward, the ROMs’ approach, funded by regional, national, and European sources, aims to accelerate societal transitions and achieve sustainable economic growth. The attraction of 155 foreign companies, which collectively invested over €2 billion in 2024, is expected to create more than 4,500 high-quality jobs in the coming years. This not only strengthens the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands but also places Dutch companies on the international stage as leaders in innovative entrepreneurship [1].