Netherlands Emerges as Global Systems Engineering Powerhouse Through Cross-Disciplinary Innovation

2026-01-24 semicon

Netherlands, Saturday, 24 January 2026.
The Netherlands has established itself as a dominant force in high-tech manufacturing by mastering systems engineering—a methodical approach that coordinates multiple engineering disciplines to create sophisticated technological solutions. This strategic advantage, rooted in collaborative Dutch culture and pioneered by companies like Philips in the 1960s, now enables firms such as ASML and Thales to lead global markets in semiconductor equipment and precision manufacturing systems.

From Hardware to Software: The Evolution of Dutch High-Tech Strategy

The transformation of Dutch high-tech manufacturing centers on a fundamental shift from hardware-centric to software-driven innovation, particularly evident in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors [1]. Companies like ASML, which produces critical semiconductor lithography equipment, and Thales, specializing in defense and aerospace technologies, exemplify this evolution by integrating complex software systems with precision hardware [1][4]. This approach has proven essential as modern technological products rarely originate within a single discipline, instead requiring collaboration between engineering, software, design, production, and management teams [4].

Historical Foundations: Philips and the Birth of Systems Thinking

The roots of Dutch systems engineering excellence trace back to the 1960s and 1970s when Philips and other high-tech companies pioneered this interdisciplinary approach to manage the complexity of devices like MRI scanners and CD players [1][8]. During this formative period, the traditional model of a single systems architect leading a team evolved into a more flexible, collaborative methodology as devices became increasingly digital and complex [1]. Wouter Leibbrandt, program council member at Holland High Tech, explains this evolution: “An informal, flexible way of working together emerged, cutting across hierarchies. In the past, large systems were often the work of a single systems architect who led a team. But when devices became more digital and complex, that approach no longer worked” [1].

Cultural Advantages: Dutch Collaboration Model Drives Innovation

The Netherlands’ success in systems engineering stems partly from distinctive cultural characteristics that facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration [1]. Dutch culture, characterized by direct cooperation and a disregard for hierarchy, contributes significantly to the country’s strength in systems thinking and integration [1]. This cultural foundation enables the rapid, flexible collaboration necessary for managing complex technological systems across multiple engineering domains [8]. The approach emphasizes understanding interconnections between components and optimizing performance across entire systems rather than focusing on individual parts [GPT].

Billion-Dollar Investment: NXTGEN High Tech Program Fuels Future Growth

The Dutch government has committed substantial resources to maintaining its systems engineering leadership through the NXTGEN High Tech program, which launched in May 2023 and will invest approximately €1 billion through the National Growth Fund until 2030 [1]. This comprehensive initiative involves over 330 partners and represents a strategic commitment to preserving the Netherlands’ competitive advantage in high-tech manufacturing [1]. Holland High Tech coordinates much of this effort, connecting businesses, knowledge institutions, and governments to promote targeted technology and research while supporting transdisciplinary projects [1]. The organization runs the Systems Engineering for High-Tech Systems program in partnership with TNO, Thermo Fischer Scientific, ASML, and Thales, demonstrating the continued relevance of this approach across multiple sectors [1].

Bronnen

Dutch technology systems engineering