The Netherlands must invest between 151 billion euros ($177 billion) and 187 billion euros over the next decade in high‑productivity sectors to safeguard future prosperity, according to an advisory report released Friday.
Commissioned by the Dutch government in September, the report identified four domains where the country could build strategic strength: digitization and artificial intelligence, life sciences and biotechnology, security and resilience, and energy and climate technology.
Peter Wennink, adviser to the Dutch Council of Ministers, presented the findings, warning that obstacles such as slow permitting procedures, shortages of skilled workers, rising energy prices, and persistent nitrogen and grid congestion could hinder growth. The report also cited overdue maintenance of physical and digital infrastructure.
To overcome these challenges, the report proposed creating an independent implementation authority to accelerate strategic projects and strengthen public‑private cooperation.
Recommendations also included establishing a national investment bank with at least 100 billion euros in working capital and a breakthrough innovation agency with a 2‑billion‑euro annual budget to better leverage public funds and stimulate private investment.