DeepTech Firms Call for Stronger Innovation Policies in the Netherlands
The Hague, Friday, 16 August 2024.
Dutch deeptech companies are urging policymakers to implement more supportive innovation policies. These firms argue that a robust policy framework is crucial for maintaining sustainable funding, encouraging risk-taking in groundbreaking technologies, and keeping the Netherlands competitive in the global tech landscape.
The Urgency for a Policy Overhaul
The call for enhanced innovation policies comes at a critical time for Dutch deeptech firms. These companies, specializing in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology, are at the forefront of addressing complex global challenges. However, the current policy framework in the Netherlands is perceived as insufficient to support the high financial risks and long development cycles inherent in deeptech innovation.
Recent Developments and Concerns
Recent reports indicate that the transport sector in the Netherlands is experiencing growth, and new construction sites have been designated for development beyond 2030[1]. Despite these positive signs, there are concerns within the hospitality industry where salaried employees reportedly feel envious of their self-employed colleagues[1]. These issues underscore the broader economic environment in which deeptech firms operate, highlighting the need for policies that support sustainable growth and innovation across sectors.
Supportive Initiatives in Europe
On a broader scale, the European Commission’s New European Innovation Agenda aims to position Europe at the forefront of deeptech innovation. The EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative, a flagship project under this agenda, is set to train one million people in deeptech fields by 2025[2]. This initiative underscores the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support deeptech ventures, demonstrating a model of policy support that Dutch firms are advocating for at the national level.
Collaborative Efforts and Funding Challenges
Collaborative efforts are also seen in forums like the Movac Deeptech jam, where stakeholders discuss optimizing capital raising processes for deeptech innovations[3]. Such discussions are crucial as they focus on securing funding from pre-seed stages through to Series A, aiming to accelerate the development of transformative technologies. However, Dutch deeptech firms argue that more systemic policy support is needed to ensure these collaborations translate into sustained innovation and commercialization.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
To maintain its competitive edge in the global tech landscape, the Netherlands must adopt a more robust policy framework that supports deeptech innovation. By fostering an environment conducive to sustainable funding and risk-taking, policymakers can ensure that Dutch deeptech firms continue to thrive and contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The experiences of other European initiatives provide a valuable blueprint for the kind of support needed to drive this sector forward.