Enhanced Dialogue with the Netherlands: Excellence, impact, strategic choices and R&I-ecosystems

A European Commission delegation, led by Director General for Research and Innovation, Marc Lemaitre, visited the Netherlands on 12 and 13 November. The delegation was welcomed in The Hague by Tjerk Opmeer, Director General in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Feite Hofman, Director General in the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The visit brought forward diverse discussions centered around the important role of R&I for the Netherlands and the broader EU policy landscape. In addition, the Dutch ministries took this opportunity to present the Dutch vision on the next framework programme, emphasizing the importance of excellence, impact, strategic choices and R&I ecosystems.

On the first day, participants exchanged ideas about the opportunities and challenges that both sides face for R&I and the kind of policies that can assist, both on national and EU level. Best practices and examples of flourishing R&I ecosystems were presented, such as the pivotal role of TU Eindhoven within the ‘Brainport’ region. This dynamic hub, once known as the birthplace of Philips and now home base of high-tech companies such as ASML, shows the power of collaboration between science and business. Another initiative presented was the Biotech Booster programme which shows how the Netherlands stimulates innovations thematically by fostering cooperation between partners within the biotech ecosystem locally, nationally and internationally.

For a more holistic view, representatives from eight other ministries joined the group, to openly discuss the future of R&I in the broader policy landscape, both at EU and national level, including its crucial role in harnessing EU’s competitiveness. The day concluded with a networking reception bringing together a wide range of stakeholders beyond the government authorities, such as scientists, entrepreneurs and investors.

On the second day, the Commission delegation visited some key Dutch R&I ecosystems around the Yes!Delft incubator (in close collaboration with Delft University of Technology) and Erasmus University in Rotterdam. In both sites the European Commission delegation met startups and interdisciplinary scientists and visited research and innovation labs. The tour put the discussions from the previous day into context and added various perspectives on how to shape future R&I policies.

Background

Enhanced dialogues with EU countries are a new, bottom-up channel of cooperation with the European Commission. These dialogues aim at creating a country-tailored approach to foster Research and Innovation in the participating EU country. They are organised on a voluntary basis and built around topics matching the interests of the country.

The Netherlands is the 13^th country having an enhanced dialogue with DG research & Innovation.

More information

Enhanced dialogue with EU countries