Technological innovations and entrepreneurship are crucial for a more productive, sustainable and secure Netherlands. In order to remain internationally competitive and reduce our dependence on other countries, it is important to maintain leadership in strategic technological areas. Tough choices have to be made in this respect. The National Technology Strategy (NTS) provides a framework for this.
The 10 high-priority technologies are those in which the Netherlands can excel internationally, are economically important, help solve societal challenges and are relevant to national security. Action agendas have been developed for the following 10 key technologies:
- AI & Data
- Biomolecular & Cell Technologies
- Cybersecurity Technologies
- Energy Materials
- Imaging Technologies
- Mechatronics & Optomechatronics
- Optical Systems & Integrated Photonics
- Process Technology, including Process Intensification
- Quantum Technologies
- Semiconductor Technologies
Goals of the Action Agendas
The Action Agendas put the strategic goals of the National Technology Strategy (NTS) into practice. The goals of the action agendas are:
- Provide clarity on what steps, resources and collaborations are needed;
- Describe concrete innovation programmes and routes to implementation;
- Better coordination of plans on digital innovation between government, business and knowledge institutions.
The Action Agendas of Digital Holland
Under the direction of Digital Holland, the following Action Agendas have been developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and various coalitions and parties representing a large number of organisations from the business community, knowledge institutions and government bodies:
- Action Agenda AI & Data (in Dutch)
- Action Agenda Cybersecurity Technologies (in Dutch)
Both Action Agendas are the responsibility of KIA Digitalisation.
Creation of the Action Agendas
The Action Agendas were developed in three phases under the direction of Digital Holland. From autumn 2024 to the end of 2025, a working group for both Action Agendas was central in developing a SWOT analysis, interpreting the ecosystem, identifying and addressing today's and tomorrow's major challenges and setting up a system to address these issues.
Several exploratory studies and consultations took place across the country. Dozens of interviews were held, along with several market consultations. The agency Technopolis supported the first phase, and agency Organizational Revolution supported the second phase.
Digital Holland worked intensively on this preparatory phase with various coalitions and parties, that represent a large number of organisations. Parties closely involved in the process included the Ministry of Economic Affairs, TNO, NWO, Regional Development Companies (ROMs), organisations within Higher Education, such as Platform PRIO and IPN, industry organisations NL Digital, VNO-NCW and FME, and parties such as AIC4NL, CoE DSC, the former dcypher and Security Delta HSD.
Not just another plan
In recent years, many good initiatives and consortia have been started in the Netherlands in the field of innovation and technology. The Action Agendas will enable us to distinguish ourselves and engage with all relevant parties. The agendas are the starting point to continue working together from tomorrow, with the resources available now.
Relevant other agendas, such as the Wennink Report, are linked to the Action Agendas to achieve greater focus and scale, and to generate more impact for our economy and society. There is coordination with parties such as NTS RV (the regional strengthening plan of ROM Netherlands), Techleap, Invest-NL, the TKIs (various top consortia for Knowledge and Innovation) and, of course, Europe. This creates a focused innovation policy that will help the Netherlands remain technologically relevant globally.
Time for action
The publication of the Action Agendas is just the beginning. The coming period is all about implementation. This will require a decisive organisation, targeted public-private cooperation and active involvement of stakeholders from the business community, knowledge institutions and government - regional, national and European.
Much of the progress will come from better use of existing knowledge. But structural technological breakthroughs will require additional commitment and long-term investment. Only by working together can we achieve the transition to a safe, competitive and technologically independent Netherlands. Let's get to work!
English summaries of both Action Agendas are available: