Minister Beljaarts of Economic Affairs has sent the annual report of the advisory committee of the National Growth Fund 2023 to the House of Representatives. The annual report describes the activities of the committee and the progress of the projects over the year 2023. The following components are discussed in the report: the purpose of the fund, the tasks of the committee and the portfolio overview.
I speak on behalf of the entire advisory committee when I say that the contribution of the National Growth Fund to our future remains crystal clear to us and that it is now important to maximize the impact of our programs. I would therefore like to sincerely thank all parties who are working hard together for our prosperity through the National Growth Fund, said Rianne Letschert, Chair of the advisory committee of the National Growth Fund.
Future of the Netherlands
The portfolio overview contains an overview of the progress and developments in the 51 projects in the past year. 51 programs in which a total of € 11 billion was invested from the National Growth Fund. And each of which will shape the future of the Netherlands.
Important steps
In 2023, important steps were taken by projects. Take, for example, CropXR and the National Approach to Teacher Professionalization (NAPL), which have been launched. CropXR is committed to the development of strong and resilient crops that can withstand a wetter climate and require fewer pesticides. And the National Approach to Teacher Professionalization (NAPL) project is developing continuous learning paths and matching training courses to improve the quality of education. And at Quantum Delta NL, the House of Quantum was opened in Delft last year; a hub where dozens of startups and researchers work and learn from each other.
Third round
The third and final round of the National Growth Fund has resulted in 18 approved projects. On the advice of the advisory committee, more than €4 billion has been made available for these projects.
One of these projects is the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (CPBT), which will allow new medicines and foods to be marketed more quickly in the future without the use of laboratory animals.
Maximising impact
The advisory committee regrets that there will be no rounds 4 and 5, but also indicates that it is proud of the current portfolio and the difference that the 51 projects will make to the future of the Netherlands. The committee emphasises the importance of focusing on maximising the impact of the current 51 programmes. To achieve this, a major commitment is required from all companies, knowledge institutions, social organisations and government organisations involved in the projects.
