Dutch Semiconductor Industry Calls for Boost in Innovation Policy and Talent
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
Industry leaders stress the importance of enhancing innovation policies and attracting technical talent to maintain the Netherlands’ global leadership in semiconductors.
Strengthening Innovation and Talent in Dutch Semiconductors
The Dutch semiconductor industry is renowned for its leading position in global high-tech manufacturing, with significant contributions from companies such as NTS, VDL ETG, and others based in Eindhoven. To sustain this leadership, stakeholders have called for enhanced innovation policies and increased R&D investments. A roundtable discussion held on 3 December 2025 in Eindhoven emphasized the need for a robust influx of technical talent to address current shortages, with projections indicating a requirement for an additional 10,000 engineers by 2027 [1][2].
Challenges and Opportunities in a Competitive Market
As the global chip market expands, the Dutch semiconductor sector faces pressure to accelerate innovation and expand production capacity. The industry, which generated €40 billion in revenue in 2023, must navigate complex international dynamics and ensure economic security through predictable regulations and strong international collaborations [1][3]. Companies highlighted the essential role of public-private partnerships in realizing future technological roadmaps and fostering a stable investment climate [1][2].
Public-Private Partnerships as a Catalyst for Growth
Collaboration between the government, knowledge institutions, and the private sector is pivotal in maintaining the Netherlands’ competitive edge. Programs like Holland High Tech’s PPS initiatives aim to stimulate innovation across the high-tech systems and materials sectors. These partnerships focus on strategic multi-year research lines and urgent transitions, contributing to the country’s technology roadmaps [4][5]. The Dutch government supports these efforts through increased R&D funding, currently at 7% of total revenue, compared to the EU average of 4% [3][5].
Strategic Directions for Sustained Leadership
The insights gathered from industry discussions feed into national strategies to keep the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem competitive, innovative, and resilient. A national semiconductor innovation strategy is anticipated, aiming to attract €5 billion in foreign investment by 2027. This strategy will be crucial in addressing the industry’s challenges and securing its future growth [3][4]. The sector’s ability to adapt to geopolitical tensions and maintain economic security is also seen as a critical factor in its sustained leadership [1].