Dutch Political Parties Advocate for More Innovation Funding

2025-09-26 community

Amsterdam, Friday, 26 September 2025.
Dutch political parties, including SP and PvdD, call for increased innovation funding and a National Investment Bank, yet specific financial commitments remain vague.

Innovative Ambitions Amidst Vague Commitments

In the Netherlands, there is a strong push from political parties to boost funding for innovation. The Socialist Party (SP) and the Party for the Animals (PvdD) are leading this call, focusing on innovation and green research funding, respectively. JA21 has proposed tax deductions for research and development (R&D) as a means to stimulate investment in innovative activities. Despite these intentions, a significant concern remains as many political platforms lack clarity on the specific allocation of funds towards these initiatives [1].

The Role of a National Investment Bank

The establishment of a National Investment Bank appears in eight election programs as a pivotal measure to support startups and innovation [1]. The idea is to bolster fiscal and financing strategies that are crucial for the growth of nascent and scaling enterprises. However, the ambiguity surrounding financial commitments poses a challenge in understanding the full impact of these proposals. A previous study by TNO indicated that structural investments are necessary to meet the 3% GDP target for R&D by 2030, which translates to a cumulative requirement of EUR 14.9 billion in the upcoming years [1].

Sector-Specific Innovation Focus

Political parties are increasingly specifying how R&D should be prioritized in the Netherlands. AI development, such as the proposed AI factory in Groningen and the Dutch language model GPT-NL, highlights the technological focus. Additionally, there is a call to strengthen capabilities in drones, cybersecurity, and space exploration for national security. Energy innovations are also on the agenda, with emphasis on battery technology, nuclear infrastructure, and hydrogen development [1].

Divergent Views on Talent and Regulation

The discourse around attracting foreign talent and regulatory frameworks is varied among the political parties. The expat regulation has become a point of contention, with some parties advocating for its continuation in its current form, while others propose scaling back or abolishing it altogether. These differences reflect broader debates on how to balance fostering a conducive environment for innovation with managing domestic socio-economic concerns [1].

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innovation funding political parties