The WRR argues that the changing geopolitical landscape also calls for a different approach, to enable the Netherlands and Europe to stand their ground in the face of growing economic and technological pressure. The report offers insights into how the Netherlands and Europe should deal with the increasing interdependence of the economy and geopolitics: the Netherlands and the EU are heavily dependent on the US and China for key technologies and products, whilst that dependence is much less pronounced in the opposite direction. In doing so, the Council builds on earlier reports by Draghi and Wennink on European and Dutch competitiveness.
A key message from the WRR: Europe is lagging behind in scaling up technological innovations and lacks a coherent innovation system. Following on from the Wennink Report, the WRR also advocates a NADI model with clear objectives and phased funding. In addition, the report cites strategic public procurement – with the government acting as a ‘launching customer’ – as a lever to help companies scale up.
The report is in line with the steps that have already been taken towards a more targeted innovation, industry and trade policy. This is evident from developments in the National Technology Strategy, the targeted programmes within industrial policy and the findings of the Task Force on Future Prosperity and the Business Environment.
Minister Herbert:
"Among other things, the WRR advocates a more proactive industrial policy and a different approach to trade policy. In this regard, it is important to strengthen our capacity for innovation and reduce strategic dependencies."
Minister Sjoerdsma:
“The WRR report provides us with important insights to [...] make the right choices for a strong and resilient Netherlands and Europe. We must work together where possible, but also safeguard our own interests effectively. The WRR report provides us with important insights to continue these discussions and make the right choices for a strong and resilient Netherlands and Europe.”
Below you will find the summary and the full report. You may also be interested to know that IO+ has also taken a closer look at the report, examining, amongst other things, the examples cited in the report itself.
