With various applications, biotechnology contributes to various challenges in areas such as health, food production, and the circular economy. It is necessary for us in the Netherlands and Europe to bring innovations in this field to market faster. To become less dependent on other countries and to remain competitive in the world. The cabinet therefore has the ambition that the Netherlands will belong to the global top group in biotechnology by 2040.

This is stated in the cabinets vision on biotechnology, which the Council of Ministers has approved at the proposal of Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs) and State Secretary Jansen (Infrastructure and Water Management).

Historically, the Netherlands has had a lot of knowledge about biotechnology. To bring innovations to market faster, the cabinet is looking at removing national caps and exploring the possibilities of (regulatory-free) test beds: both nationally and European. Through projects in the National Growth Fund (NGF) alone, the cabinet will invest nearly 1.3 billion euros extra in biotechnology in the coming years.

More targeted use of these and other existing resources and examining space in current laws and regulations can already help strengthen the position of the Netherlands in this area in the short term. The cabinet is also looking for potential new financial incentives for the longer term.

The (regulatory-free) test beds align with the EU Biotech Act and the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Hub with which the European Commission aims to improve the competitive position of EU countries. The cabinet also advocates for harmonizing regulations between member states based on the latest scientific knowledge. This stimulates innovation and also creates a level playing field within Europe itself.

Through biotechnological innovations, for example, plants can be made more resistant to drought, diseases, and pests. With the technology, it is also possible to develop medicines against infectious and rare diseases more quickly or to work on biodegradable and circular packaging. Industrial biotechnology is used for the production of various materials and fuels that contribute to the sustainability of the industry.

The letter to the House of Representatives regarding this cabinet vision has also been co-signed by Minister Agema (VWS), State Secretary Karremans (VWS), Minister Bruins (OCW), Minister Hermans (KGG), and State Secretary Rummenie (LVVN).