The National Growth Fund will close for the time being and it is unclear when it will reopen. Minister Micky Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy decided on this 'pause' on March 19, after the Tweede Kamer rejected a call to keep the fund afloat.
Of the 20 billion that the National Growth Fund started with, 7.4 billion euros remain. Consortia could submit subsidy applications the fourth round from April 1. This had already been postponed until June 1 in view of the formation. Many companies and institutions are already in the process of preparing applications: 61 quick scans have been done. Hundreds of hours of work go into each application.
Marc Hendrikse, figurehead Holland High Tech: "The decision not to open the fourth round of the National Growth Fund is not only a major disappointment, but also worrying. The months of preparations by companies and institutions for crucial innovation programs now appear to have been done in vain, which is very unfortunate. This damages the confidence of companies in a consistent government. Moreover, the future earning capacity of the Netherlands now appears to be subordinated to formation discussions. As Holland High Tech we continue to work with our industry and knowledge partners on innovation programs for of the urgent transitions, the social challenges and the future earning capacity of the Netherlands."
We at Holland High Tech, together with a large group of companies and knowledge organisations, previously signed an urgent letter to the Tweede Kamer to prevent the postponement of this round.
