Netherlands Sets Sights on Global Biotech Leadership
The Netherlands has set itself an ambitious goal: to be among the global leaders in biotechnology by 2040. This vision is backed by an initial commitment of €1.3 billion in funding.
The Dutch government outlined its national ambition in the Cabinet Vision on Biotechnology, aiming to harness biotechnology to achieve progress in public health, the circular economy, and food security. The vision, endorsed by the Council of Ministers following a proposal by Minister of Economic Affairs, Dirk Beljaarts, and State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management C.A. Jansen, points to the country’s longstanding expertise in biotechnology.
To accelerate the market introduction of innovations, the government is is looking at removing national regulatory overreach and exploring the potential of regulatory sandboxes and experimental low-regulation pilot zones, both nationally and at the European level. Nearly €1.3 billion in additional investment will be allocated through the National Growth Fund over the coming years. The cabinet is also considering new financial incentives to support the sector in the longer term.
“In a changing world, the Netherlands aims to be among the global frontrunners in the research, development, and application of biotechnology,” the vision states. “Biotechnology contributes to our societal goals in the areas of health, the circular economy, and food production. We are aligning our government instruments for innovation and valorization more strategically with these goals, and we are advocating – both in the Netherlands and within Europe – for a forward-looking and resilient regulatory framework.”
The Dutch biotech industry association HollandBIO welcomed the plan, praising the government’s recognition of the sector’s economic value, as well as its identification of regulatory and structural barriers to innovation. Most notably, the association emphasised the importance of the proposed integrated approach across ministries and in collaboration with the sector to help the Netherlands secure a leading global position in biotechnology.
“As far as we’re concerned, this vision is the starting signal to do what the sector truly needs: rolling up our sleeves together to eliminate unnecessary obstacles,” the association stated.
