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Christiaan Holland gave a presentation on the Dutch innovation system in Tokyo, Japan, on 13 March. This article provides a summary of the content of his presentation.
Initially, Christiaan described the Dutch innovation system in terms of performance indicators. The Netherlands does not score high in terms of innovative performance. Most (traditional) indicators show that we are just above the European average (with Japan and the US far ahead of us). Secondly, the national innovation system was described in terms of strengths and weaknesses. The benefits of the Dutch system include the quality of scientific research, patented activities, and excellent accessibility (and usability) of ICT. When it comes to internet penetration, the Netherlands is one of the most successful countries in the world. The main areas for improvement are that Dutch companies do not invest much in R&D relative to others, the weak innovative entrepreneurship, and the overly complex government structure. Recently, an innovation platform has been established (chaired by the president) to enhance the management of the science and technology sector. This once again emphasises innovation issues.
There are five trends visible in Dutch innovation policy:
1. From a general approach to focus and scale: the innovation platform has selected several technologies and business domains that play a key role, namely: water technology, flowers and food, smart systems and materials, life sciences and health, creative industry, and chemical technology.
2. Streamlining and simplifying the tools: moving towards a more tailored approach. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to reduce administrative burdens and improve the accessibility of innovation programs.
3. Alignment with local and regional needs: six regional innovation programs have been prepared by regional committees, and additional funds have been allocated. Here too, a tailored approach per region is visible.
4. Bridging the gap between national and European innovation policy. The Netherlands performs very well in European research programs. National instruments are seen as a stepping stone towards European 'research championship'.
5. Finally, there is an increasing emphasis on determining the valorisation of knowledge. Determining valorisation is sometimes referred to as the Dutch disease. We are facing a so-called knowledge paradox. The research is of very high quality, but the economic and societal spin-off is low. New policy tools must address this issue.
The last part of the presentation briefly discusses some typical policy instruments. The first three are considered most effective in innovation policy:
- WBSO – subsidy for the promotion of R&D
- LTI – leading technological institutes in four different domains
- BSIK – Strengthening the knowledge infrastructure through large research consortia
The last three have been recently developed and still need to prove their added value:
- Vouchers – to promote interaction between SMEs and the knowledge infrastructure
- Smart Mix – to stimulate both focus & scale in research and the determination of its valorisation
- Innovative Performance Contracts – focusing on collaborative SMEs
For more information, please contact Christiaan Holland