A cluster of Dutch companies from the defense and security industry signed a cooperation agreement on August 27 with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This collaboration aims to position the Dutch sector well in Finland. The Partners for International Business (PIB) program provides support for this.

Opportunities for Dutch Companies

Finland has been a member of NATO since 2023. Therefore, the armed forces are focusing more on international cooperation and adapting to NATOs defense ecosystem. There are collaboration opportunities for Dutch knowledge institutions here.

  • There is already close cooperation between the Netherlands and Finland within the Northern Naval Capability Cooperation (NNCC). The goal is to strengthen the Finnish navy. Through innovation, procurement, and maintenance, Finland aims to safeguard its own independence.
  • There are collaboration opportunities in aviation: Finland is a new F-35 country. There are also opportunities in the security industry and for land systems (vehicles, components, and knowledge).
  • The Netherlands can support Finland with cybersecurity and new security technologies.

Business Cluster Dutch Coalition for Defense and Security

The cluster uses the name Dutch Coalition for Defense and Security (DCDS). Currently, 27 companies are involved, which are also members of NIDV (Foundation Dutch Industry for Defense and Security). NIDV is the coordinator of this PIB program.

Activities

In the coming 3 years, the cluster will focus on:

  • knowledge exchange between the Netherlands and Finland;
  • participation in major sector trade fairs in Finland;
  • organizing missions, matchmaking, and other events;
  • joint communication materials in NL Branding style.

The first activity is a trade mission to Helsinki (from October 7 to 9), including an industry seminar. 

You can also join this cluster

Is your company interested in joining this cluster? Or do you have other questions? Please contact one of the contacts below. 

Peter Huis in t Veld, Business Development Manager International at NIDV
E: P.HuisintVeld@nidv.eu

Marcel Knoors, Program Manager Partnerships at RVO
E: marcel.knoors@rvo.nl

Organization 

RVO implements this PIB program within the framework of the CSR implementation framework, and on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. RVO works closely with:

  • the economic department of the Dutch embassy in Helsinki;
  • the Ministry of Defense;
  • the Defense Attaché in Oslo (which includes Finland);
  • the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ).
On behalf of:
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In collaboration with:
  • Ministry of Defense
  • Ministry of Economic Affairs