Today, former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, commissioned by the cabinet, presented an independent advisory report. This report outlines how the Netherlands should invest to remain economically strong in the future. The report shows that swift action is needed. Deputy Jo-Annes de Bat represented the Province of Zeeland.
According to the report, there are four key areas for the future Dutch economy: digitization and artificial intelligence (AI), health and biotechnology, security and resilience, and energy and climate technology. The report also describes the conditions needed for these investments to succeed, such as sufficient space, good infrastructure, and clear regulations.
The Province of Zeeland has read the report with great interest. Zeeland recognizes the ambitions and challenges mentioned. The province also sees clear opportunities for the region. Many topics align with the letter Zeeland previously sent to Peter Wennink. In that letter, the Province emphasized Zeelands strategic importance.
These ambitions fit well with Zeeland 2050. This is the provinces long-term vision for a strong economy, broad prosperity, and an important role for Zeeland in national and European developments.
Energy and Climate Technology
The report points to great opportunities for investments in energy infrastructure, hydrogen, recycling of raw materials, batteries, important materials, and small modular reactors (SMRs). The Zeeland ports and the industrial area around North Sea Port are suitable locations for this. There is space, existing infrastructure, and good cooperation between companies and government.
Companies such as Dow, Yara, and Zeeland Refinery, and collaborations like Smart Delta Resources, are already working on sustainability. With better conditions, they can progress faster. This fits with the ambition to develop Zeeland into a Green Energy Port. Zeeland can thus play an important role in energy supply and the transition to more sustainable raw materials.
In this vision of Zeeland 2050, the energy transition , the sustainability of industry and strengthening ports and industrial areas are important pillars for future jobs and income.
Strategic Energy-Intensive Industry
The report emphasizes the importance of preserving strategic industry. This industry is under pressure due to high energy prices, an overloaded electricity grid, and unfair competition within Europe. This aligns with Zeelands message: the chemical industrial area in Zeeland is of great importance to the Netherlands. Wennink states that small modular reactors (SMRs) can help relieve the electricity grid. They also provide reliable and clean energy.
The Province supports the proposed measures, such as solving problems on the electricity grid, lowering energy prices, and combating unfair competition. Zeeland wants to work together with the national government on these necessary investments.
Security and Resilience
Within the theme of security and resilience, the report shows the importance of strong main companies that design and build complete systems. The maritime manufacturing industry around Vlissingen, including Damen Naval and many suppliers, forms a strong network. Ships, maritime technology, and defense solutions are developed here.
In Zeeland, work is underway on the shipyard of the future. With sufficient orders and investments in innovation, Zeeland is a good place to build an important European center for maritime and defense industry.
Space for Growth
The report states that the Netherlands must create more space for industry and innovation . Zeeland is one of the few regions where expandable industrial sites are still available. This is important because by 2040 there will be a shortage of about 400 hectares of industrial land.
Therefore, Zeeland is very suitable for quickly implementing national investment programs. Government, companies, and knowledge institutions already work closely together in Zeeland. This helps with faster permits, better infrastructure, and new innovations. Zeeland can thus align well with national programs, such as a possible National Investment Bank and an organization for innovative innovation.
Also in Zeeland 2050, consciously creating space for industry and innovation is an important starting point. Because Zeeland can combine space, infrastructure, and administrative strength, the province can play an important role in national investments.
Agrifood and Biotechnology
The report recognizes the importance of agriculture and food within health and biotechnology. Zeeland has a strong agricultural sector, good cooperation in the chain, and space for experiments. The region is also specialized in food production from sea and coastal waters, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed.
This aligns well with plans such as Food 2040 and innovations in breeding and new food products. Due to the availability of water, smart cultivation methods, and strong logistics, Zeeland is an attractive region to test and scale new ideas.
Conclusion
Peter Wenninks report shows that the Netherlands is at an important moment. The Province of Zeeland indicates that the region is ready to cooperate on this national investment agenda. With space, strong industry, a strategic port, and innovative companies, Zeeland has good conditions to contribute to a sustainable and strong economy. Zeeland 2050 provides the framework in which national goals and regional implementation come together.
