Dutch Regional Agencies Invest Over €1 Billion in Innovation
Amsterdam, Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Since 2021, Dutch regional development agencies have invested over €1 billion, boosting over 2,500 SMEs in innovation and international competitiveness.
Significant Contributions to National Innovation
The collective investment by the nine regional development agencies (ROMs) in the Netherlands has surpassed €1 billion since 2021, marking a significant boost for over 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the nation. This initiative is designed to fortify the country’s innovation ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on investment and internationalization. By facilitating access to essential resources such as knowledge, capital, and networks, the ROMs have played a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and profitability of these enterprises [1].
Strategic Focus on Regional Growth
Each region in the Netherlands sees tangible benefits from the ROMs’ investments. For instance, ROM InWest in Noord-Holland supports projects like DOPS Recycling Technologies, which converts waste into valuable resources such as synthetic gas and activated carbon while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. This is part of a broader strategy to accelerate sustainable economic growth through innovative solutions, positioning Dutch companies at the forefront of global markets [1].
Impact on Employment and Economic Autonomy
In 2024 alone, the ROMs invested €236 million across 538 innovation projects, contributing to a cumulative total of €1 billion since 2021. These efforts not only fostered innovation but also attracted 155 foreign companies to the Netherlands, which invested over €2 billion and are expected to create more than 4,500 high-quality jobs in the coming years. Such investments are vital for increasing the strategic autonomy of the Dutch economy and enhancing its competitive edge internationally [1].
Future Prospects and Continued Collaboration
The ROMs’ collaborative efforts with regional, national, and European partners underscore their commitment to sustaining and expanding the innovation capacity of Dutch enterprises. By continuing to finance and support innovative entrepreneurship, these agencies aim to ensure the long-term resilience and success of the Netherlands in the global marketplace. The ongoing dialogue between ROM directors and government officials, as seen in the presentation of 2024’s annual figures, highlights the importance of strategic collaboration in driving innovation forward [1].