Netherlands Allocates €1.7 Billion for Digital Innovations by 2027
The Hague, Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
Under the Digital Europe Program, the Netherlands will invest €1.7 billion in AI, data, cloud, and cybersecurity to boost its digital economy and reduce foreign dependencies by 2027.
Strategic Investment for Digital Leadership
The European Commission and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs have announced a landmark initiative to strengthen the Netherlands’ position in digital innovation. Dutch entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions are already leading the European Union in securing Digital Europe Program (DEP) funding, capturing 11.7% of total allocations in 2024, approximately €46 million [1]. To build on this success, the Ministry is contributing an additional €16.2 million in national co-financing for the 2025-2027 period [1].
Digital Transformation of SMEs
The initiative sets ambitious targets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Netherlands aims to achieve a 95% basic digitalization rate among SMEs by 2030, up from the current 81.5% in 2024 [1]. This represents significant progress from 75% in 2021 [1]. In parallel, the government is pushing for increased adoption of advanced digital technologies, with AI usage among SMEs having grown from 13% to 23%, and cloud services expanding from 64% to 71% [1].
Regional Innovation Support
Supporting this national initiative, regional programs are being implemented to foster innovation. Starting May 2, 2025, SMEs in Overijssel and Gelderland can apply for the VInnovate program, which supports cross-border collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, smart health, and sustainable production [2]. The program has allocated €750,000 from EFRO-budget, with individual projects eligible for minimum funding of €100,000 [2].
Digital Infrastructure and Government Services
The investment strategy extends to public sector digitalization, with new initiatives being rolled out to enhance government digital services. Recent developments include the implementation of improved digital tools for government employees and updated accessibility standards for public sector websites [5]. Minister Dirk Beljaarts of Economic Affairs emphasizes: ‘It is important that we take an extra step for an innovative digital economy. This is one of the driving forces behind our future jobs and income’ [1].