Government invests billions more in R&D

Government invests billions more in R&D

 

Government spending on research and innovation is set to grow significantly: from €7.3 billion in 2019 to €9.2 billion in 2025, according to the Rathenau Institute. But the Netherlands will still not achieve the European target.

 

Each year, the Rathenau Institute lists the expenditure on research and innovation, both direct expenditure and tax support measures. The government wants to invest heavily in research and innovation through the National Growth Fund, so spending is skyrocketing. In 2025, some €6.6 billion in direct R&D funding is planned, plus €1.2 billion in other innovation spending such as the development and purchase of new equipment. On top of that comes 1.4 billion in fiscal support.

 

This fiscal support for innovation is not a matter of course in Europe. France spends proportionally twice as much on it, while Germany, Finland and Switzerland spend nothing at all.

 

Half a billion too little

Despite the introduction of the Growth Fund, the Netherlands is not meeting the European target. The Member States have agreed that they will spend 2.5% of GDP on research and innovation (including business expenditure). To meet that target, the government will have to set aside an extra half a billion in 2025, writes Rathenau. (HOP, BB)