Who Does Not Choose, Loses: New Industrial Policy with Focus

The cabinet is making a clear choice for the future of the Dutch economy. With this new approach, the current top sectors policy will be concluded as of January 1, 2026. The new industrial policy focuses on six markets where we can win globally and for which we have a strong starting position as the Netherlands: semiconductors, biotechnology, defense-related applications (such as 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, quantum), digital services (especially AI), machine construction, and innovative chemistry. This means we will create programs to strengthen these markets, as was previously done for the semiconductor industry with project Beethoven. For the rest of the business community and the former top sectors, generic innovation schemes such as the WBSO, tax schemes, and other funding for, for example, sustainability will remain, but there will be fewer or no more targeted programs. We will also continue to work on a solid foundation for entrepreneurship and growth for all companies that keep the Netherlands running.

Minister Karremans: “Due to the significant challenges we face, such as a tight labor market, a full power grid, and increasing geopolitical tensions, we cannot afford to stand still and make no choices. If we want to be at the top in 2040, we must dare to choose now. By investing in these six markets where we can truly make a difference and win, we strengthen our security, economic growth, and future prosperity. Ultimately, it is very simple: who does not choose, loses.”

Countries like the United States and China are investing billions in technology and industry. They attract companies, knowledge, and talent, thereby building market power. The Netherlands cannot lag behind. The old way of spreading resources across many sectors and initiatives yields too little. Focus means concretely building programs for the markets, with resources and actions such as:

• People and resources: programs per market, with extra capacity, knowledge, and coordination from the government. We will look at how we can deploy resources more effectively. This means concentrating resources where the greatest opportunities lie.
• Building markets: we strengthen ecosystems for the chosen markets and where necessary and possible stimulate demand, for example, through strategic procurement by the government and the EU, so that innovations have a faster chance of breaking through.
• Financing and prerequisites: better access to capital, fewer hindering regulations, and solutions for space, grid congestion, infrastructure, and permits.
• International competitiveness: the Netherlands strengthens its market position by stimulating trade, attracting foreign companies and investments, and participating in European programs such as IPCEIs, Horizon Europe, and the Net Zero Industry Act.
• Talent and knowledge: profiling the Netherlands as a magnet and training place for digital and technical talent, while also investing in fundamental and applied research that directly impacts companies.

The markets we focus on have been selected based on (1) economic potential, (2) strategic economic positioning, and (3) contribution to solving societal challenges.

• Semiconductors: growing at 8.7% per year and essential for AI, the energy transition, and digital security. It has many niches where the Netherlands has or can obtain a leading position, such as quantum and photonics.
• Biotechnology: has strong niches such as cell and gene therapy (15.4% growth per year) and alternative proteins (14.1% growth), providing new medicines, circular materials, and contributing to food security.
• Defense-related applications: particularly 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, and quantum, and the contribution of these growth markets to solving societal challenges.
• Digital services (especially AI): growing at an average of 16.8% per year and strengthening our digital autonomy, with applications in healthcare, energy, and security. Machine construction: such as machines for the agri-food sector (17.1% growth per year), MedTech (5.2% growth per year), and chip machines, contributing to healthcare solutions, automation, and sustainability.
• Innovative chemistry: growing rapidly, such as biofuels (21.9% per year) and circular, biobased, and advanced materials (27% per year), contributing to sustainability and reducing fossil dependency.

In addition to these priorities, the cabinet is also working on the prerequisites that affect all entrepreneurs: better access to financing, less regulatory burden, solving grid congestion, sufficient space for companies, and enough technical and digital talent. Therefore, there remains attention for the full breadth of our economy, where opportunities exist to develop new markets and apply technology. By strengthening the overall business climate and understanding what is happening in all sectors, we ensure that all entrepreneurs are part of the economy of tomorrow. Additionally, we will continue to use mission-driven innovation policy to collaborate with companies on the societal challenges of this moment.

The new industrial policy aims for an industry that represents at least 15% of GDP by 2030 and leads to joint R&D investments of at least 3% of GDP. In the coming months, the programs for each market will be further developed. The cabinet will also look at how additional resources can be freed up or redistributed. With this course, the Netherlands chooses speed, focus, and effectiveness. This way, we build an economy that creates jobs, secures broad prosperity, and prepares us for the markets of tomorrow.