Dutch Agencies Invest €1 Billion in Innovation Growth
Amsterdam, Thursday, 20 November 2025.
Since 2021, regional development agencies in the Netherlands have invested over €1 billion to boost innovation, supporting 2,500 SMEs in enhancing competitiveness and fostering sustainable growth.
Boosting Innovation in the Netherlands
The nine regional development agencies, known as ROMs, have collectively invested over €1 billion into innovation projects and business development across the Netherlands since 2021. This significant financial input has supported more than 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their innovations across key areas such as internationalization, investment, and technological development [1]. The ROMs aim to enhance the competitiveness of the Dutch economy, fostering sustainable growth amidst global challenges [2].
Impact of Investments in 2024
In 2024 alone, the ROMs invested €236 million in 538 innovation projects, contributing to a total investment of €1 billion since 2021. Additionally, €215 million was invested in 367 companies, expanding the portfolio to include 1,137 innovative enterprises. These efforts have also attracted 155 foreign companies, which brought over €2 billion in investments into the Dutch economy, creating more than 4,500 high-quality jobs [1].
Regional Highlights and Future Prospects
Each region in the Netherlands is benefitting from the ROMs’ contributions to groundbreaking innovations. For instance, in North Holland, DOPS Recycling Technologies is advancing sustainability by converting waste into valuable raw materials, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to traditional methods [1]. Looking forward, the ROMs continue to focus on accelerating societal transitions and realizing sustainable economic growth through strategic investments and collaborations [2].
Looking Ahead: Continued Innovation and Growth
The ROMs’ collaborative approach, funded by regional, national, and European sources, has proven effective in driving innovation. Their focus on enhancing strategic autonomy and increasing the productivity of the Dutch economy highlights the importance of continued support and expansion of their methods [1]. For example, the ROM Utrecht Region’s recent investment in the SHIFT Invest IV impact fund demonstrates a commitment to supporting startups and scale-ups tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity [3].