Key Players Driving Innovation Policies in the Netherlands Identified
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
IO+ report uncovers influential stakeholders shaping Dutch innovation strategies, crucial for economic growth and climate goals. Collaboration and policy advocacy are highlighted as essential for progress.
Influential Stakeholders in Dutch Innovation
A new report by IO+ sheds light on the pivotal players in the Netherlands who are instrumental in transforming innovative ideas into viable policies. The report highlights the Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland, which plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable investments and innovative enterprises in the region [1]. By fostering a collaborative environment, these stakeholders are essential in driving the country’s innovation strategies forward.
Political Support and Legislative Actions
The political landscape is actively shaping the innovation policies, as evidenced by the ‘Hague Innovation Check’. This analysis of voting behavior during the last parliamentary term revealed that D66 and Volt were the most supportive of innovation-related policies, scoring 72.6%, while PVV and PvdD lagged behind [1]. This underscores the necessity of bipartisan support for policies that can enhance the Netherlands’ competitive edge in innovation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite being a leader in innovation, the Netherlands faces challenges in commercializing knowledge-intensive products. The government is urged to invest in field labs, test beds, and subsidies specifically targeting startups to overcome these hurdles [1]. By addressing these challenges, the Dutch economy can better capitalize on its research and development prowess, further advancing its position on the European Innovation Scoreboard, where it currently ranks third [1].
Collaborative Efforts Across Regions
The Amsterdam Economic Board’s recent meeting underscored the importance of interregional collaboration, particularly between Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. These discussions focused on energy transitions, education, and the circular economy, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to innovation [2]. Such regional cooperation is vital for building a sustainable and resilient economy, aligning with the national goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable growth.