This report shows that the Netherlands stands out internationally for its high quality of scientific research. This can lead to knowledge-intensive technology with potentially large social and economic impact, also known as deep tech. However, the Netherlands has relatively few 'spin-offs': new companies that arise directly from the knowledge of universities and institutions. The Dutch spin-off companies that do exist survive for a long time, but grow slowly. No less than 80 percent are still active after 10 years and half still have fewer than 10 employees. The potential is there, but due to their long lead time and lack of support and capital, these companies are struggling to grow into the world-leading and impactful companies they could be. The level of investment in the Netherlands is substantially lower than in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and France.
The report mentions the regional specialisations and mutual cooperation between the local hubs as positive development. This will further stimulate regional development, while there are also benefits from the national network. The growth of the Dutch tech industry outside the Randstad and Brainport is also striking. Vooral de lokale techhubs zorgen voor deze aanwas. Especially the local tech hubs are responsible for this growth.
Read the State of Dutch Tech report here
Human capital
The Netherlands is in the top 3 of countries that have difficulty to fulfill their tech jobs in Europe. The percentage of hard-to-fill jobs in tech has grown to 59 percent. On average, it takes more than 60 days for most tech vacancies to be fulfilled.
Diversity
Diversity remains a thorny issue within the industry. Women represent only 10 percent of the Dutch tech entrepreneur landscape, and investments in female tech entrepreneurs are also lagging behind. Slechts 0,7 procent van de durfkapitaalinvesteringen komt bij ondernemingen met een vrouwelijk oprichtersteam terecht. Only 0.7 percent of venture capital investments go to companies with a female founder's team. Techleap.nl argues that a focus on diversity and inclusion is necessary. Data collection by tech companies and a diversity policy among investors should contribute to this.
