Medical technology (MedTech) is indispensable in the healthcare sector and one of the key growth markets for the Dutch high-tech industry. This sector accounts for over €13 billion in production turnover, around 32,700 direct jobs and a top-five position in MedTech patents, and could generate a further €5 billion or more in annual export value and around 11,000 new jobs by 2035. At the same time, earning capacity and the healthcare sector in the Netherlands are under pressure due to labour shortages and growing demand for care as a result of an ageing population. MedTech helps to improve healthcare, increase job satisfaction and reduce the workload.
The Government shares the ambition set out in the MedTech Growth Plan presented in 2026 to strengthen the Dutch MedTech sector and wishes to capitalise on the momentum within the sector. This commitment extends beyond the Growth Plan: a single MedTech ecosystem, supported by start-ups, SMEs, knowledge institutions, technical universities, healthcare institutions and large enterprises.
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MedTech in 2035
By 2035, the Netherlands will have the strongest MedTech ecosystem in Europe, in which research, healthcare and industry work together seamlessly to create a future-proof and appropriate healthcare system, as well as to generate economic impact. To this end, the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) are working with the ecosystem to develop a shared ambition for MedTech in 2035, in response to the MedTech Growth Plan. This plan focuses on increasing revenue potential and creating a future-proof healthcare system, with €102.5 million in public investment and at least the same amount from private sector partners.
The government is focusing primarily on the enabling conditions that strengthen the entire ecosystem, such as appropriate legislation and regulations, healthcare implementation, (data) infrastructure and AI. Favourable framework conditions enable initiatives such as the R&D flagship projects set out in the Growth Plan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) are taking the lead to ensure that ongoing initiatives are better aligned and to set joint priorities.
This ambition is in line with current policy priorities: the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy’s focused industrial policy (in which MedTech forms part of the targeted mechanical engineering programme), the National Technology Strategy (NTS), the 3 per cent action plan and the ministerial task force on Future Prosperity and Earning Capacity; from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS): the Integrated Care Agreement (IZA), the Supplementary Care and Welfare Agreement (AZWA) and the Framework Agreement on Care for the Elderly.
Focus: three lines of action
The ambition for MedTech in 2035 is to achieve this through action plans that will enable the MedTech ecosystem to grow:
National vision and coordination
A recognisable and coherent MedTech policy: a unified government stance, clear priorities and a more efficient allocation of resources, in close collaboration with the sector.
Image-guided therapies using AI and robotics
Innovations in the field of image-guided therapies, combined with AI and robotics. The Netherlands already holds a strong position in this area; the investment offers opportunities for high-quality jobs, new production and exports. Philips and other private sector organisations are investing €50 million in improving image-guided therapy using AI and robotics, to make the operating theatre of the future a reality.
Hospitals of the future
Development, implementation and scaling up of innovative healthcare concepts throughout the Netherlands, aimed at reducing staff shortages and shortening waiting times, whilst at the same time strengthening the Dutch healthcare system’s capacity for innovation, resilience and financial viability.
The role of Holland High Tech
Holland High Tech brings together the high-tech industry, SMEs and knowledge institutions around a shared ambition for MedTech in 2035. In doing so, we are building on our Strategic Programme for Medical Technology and on the innovation domains in which the key technologies for MedTech are being developed:
Imaging Technologies
The complete imaging chain, from sensors to AI-driven image analysis; the foundation for diagnostics, image-guided surgery and remote healthcare
Optical Systems & Integrated Photonics
Advanced optical systems that enhance imaging techniques for medical applications
Mechatronics & Optomechatronics
Precision systems and (cognitive) robotics incorporating imaging, such as in the operating theatre of the future
Semiconductor Technologies
Semiconductor chips that enable advanced sensors and image processing.
This is how we are positioning the high-tech sector to contribute to the three lines of action.
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