Research and Development in the Netherlands

US corporations more and more move R&D operations to Europe in order to be closer to their manufacturing operations, decrease time-to-market of new products, and have easier access to local knowledge and European technology grants. A lot of these companies are looking for partners who can help reduce risks and share the costs.

Key factors for successful R&D

Innovation requires bright minds. And funding. And businesses that are heavily involved in R&D also need to be in environments that value their work. In the Netherlands, world-class universities, supportive government authorities, venture capital and a dynamic business community collaborate to ensure that companies have the knowledge and resources to turn innovation into bottom-line results.

Brainpower

The Netherlands has one of the world's most educated populations, with an unusually strong interest in science: 32% of students pursuing higher education participate in science programs, with biology, physics, chemistry, and advanced math being among the most popular subjects. Over 60,000 researchers work in Dutch companies, universities and research institutes.

Partners

Dutch academic research is extremely well developed, as witnessed by the presence of several hundred institutes and laboratories. Educational institutions are internationally renowned for their leading programs in science and technical subjects. Dutch R&D activities in the natural and engineering sciences rank among the most productive and influential in the world as well.

Funding

To fund research efforts, tech-savvy venture capitalists join a range of government-sponsored funding initiatives that offer tax breaks, interest-free loans, and subsidies for high-tech equipment, personnel, and facilities that contribute to innovative R&D. The major government agency for private sector research is NL Innovation, a division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. NL Innovation's mission is to implement government support programs designed to assist entrepreneurs in areas such as technology, energy and the environment.

Technology Matchmaking

To further assist the international activities of North American technology companies seeking European partners and a supportive business environment, the NFIA now also facilitates the search process for a suitable partner in the Netherlands.

Based on the information provided in a completed questionnaire, the NFIA will generate a selection of suitable technology partners. This selection is made by using an extensive network of qualified parties in the Netherlands and may include research institutes as well as private enterprises.

The NFIA office in your area can provide you more information on this service.
Contact your local NFIA office.