Prinsjesdag 2025: Limited Innovation Policies for Dutch Entrepreneurs
The Hague, Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The Netherlands’ 2026 budget reveals limited new innovation policies, raising concerns among entrepreneurs despite increased R&D tax credits and support for scale-ups.
Budget Day 2025: A Modest Proposal
On 16 September 2025, the Dutch demissionary cabinet revealed its budget proposal for 2026 during Prinsjesdag, indicating a cautious approach to new innovation policies. While the budget included some positive measures, such as an increase in the WBSO R&D tax credit from €1.6 billion to €1.8 billion, and an additional €200 million for scale-ups through the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI), it lacked broader, transformative policies to invigorate the digital sector [1].
Entrepreneurial Sentiment and Political Climate
The response from the business community has been largely critical, with nearly 90% of entrepreneurs expressing dissatisfaction with the political climate, according to the annual Prinsjesdag Poll by VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland. This sentiment is exacerbated by the absence of new fiscal measures or innovation incentives that could significantly benefit the digital sector and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) [1]. Political attention has shifted towards the upcoming elections on 29 October 2025, with the usual parliamentary processing of the 2026 Tax Plan being hampered by the election recess starting on 3 October [1].
Positive Developments Amidst Concerns
Despite the criticisms, there are initiatives within the budget that aim to support sustainable energy and digital transformation. A new action plan for offshore wind energy has been introduced, aligning with the ambition for a climate-neutral digital sector [1]. Additionally, the threshold for mandatory mileage registration for SMEs will be raised from 100 to 250 employees, offering some administrative relief [1].
The Path Forward for Innovation
Looking ahead, the Dutch government faces the challenge of fostering an environment conducive to innovation. Experts like Rob Knigge from Accenture emphasize the importance of investments in skills, infrastructure, and trust to build a future-proof digital society [1]. As political campaigns intensify, the focus will likely be on how parties plan to address these innovation gaps and support the digital economy in their election manifestos [1].