Digitalisation has been designated by the European Commission as a top priority in the Shaping Europe’s Digital Future Strategy. This is reflected in the volume of new legislation and (innovation) programmes, including the AI Act and the Horizon and Digital Europe programmes. The Netherlands has a strong starting position to seize these opportunities but must continue investing in knowledge, companies, and technologies. We aim to maintain and strengthen this position.
International Cooperation
The societal challenges facing the Netherlands do not stop at our borders. Therefore, Digital Holland has identified international cooperation as a priority. From key technology programmes and activities, Digital Holland identifies international opportunities for ICT research and innovation and organizes collaboration with priority countries. This cooperation is facilitated through the governance of Innovation Pacts, the organization of innovation and trade missions, and the setup of NL Pavilions at international trade fairs. In this way, the Netherlands is promoted as an ICT partner in priority countries, and Dutch companies with international ambitions for these countries are supported.
In addition, Digital Holland establishes multi-year strategic public-private partnerships, with a focus on strengthening the connection between researchers and companies in EU programmes. Finally, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) supports foreign (knowledge-intensive) ICT companies wishing to establish activities in the Netherlands. Information on European funding opportunities can be found via the link below.
Strategic Trade Fair Programme
An important instrument for international cooperation is the Strategic Trade Fair Programme (SBP). The SBP provides funding for a collective Dutch presence at relevant international trade fairs, aimed at promoting the sector as a whole. This enhances the visibility and opportunities for individual Dutch companies with international ambitions. The Strategic Trade Fair Programme is implemented by Digital Holland along the lines of the KIA Digitalisation and the seven Digital and Information Technologies, with a focus on AI/Data and Cybersecurity Technologies. The programming is coordinated with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the key technology coalitions, industry associations, and ROMs, all of which are part of the KIA Digitalisation advisory board.
Examples of strategic trade fairs include the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the InCyber Forum in Lille, and the Hannover Messe. Enabling NL Pavilions at these fairs ensures that companies with international growth ambitions and innovation plans gain access to new markets, acquire and exchange knowledge and expertise, expand their network, and create new business opportunities. More information about the SBP programme and company experiences can be found in the article: “The Strategic Trade Fair as a Springboard for Dutch Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation.”