“Entrepreneurs spend too much time, money and energy on regulatory pressure. Something really needs to be done about that. That is why this government is working on easing the mandatory registration of commuting. We are also simplifying compliance with ARBO regulations, the reintegration of sick employees and the GDPR.” This was stated by Minister Beljaarts of Economic Affairs today at the first OndernemersTop. Some 230 entrepreneurs, business representatives and policymakers met in Eindhoven to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the Dutch business climate. This meeting was the starting point for the creation of the Business Climate Pact, with which the government is working with entrepreneurs to build a strong economic basis for the future.
The Entrepreneurs' Summit addressed themes that are of great importance to Dutch businesses. The meeting not only offered a platform to express concerns, but also to share ideas and solutions. "It is essential that we work with entrepreneurs to see how we can remove obstacles and seize opportunities," said Minister Beljaarts. "I want to do that by listening and engaging in conversation. Not by coming up with ideas from The Hague about how things should all be done."
Points of interest for entrepreneurs
In breakout sessions, entrepreneurs indicated what they are facing in practice, such as the tightness on the labor market. According to the participants, this requires labor-saving technologies, closer cooperation with educational institutions and better use of unused labor potential. Entrepreneurs also emphasized that working (more) must pay off. Entrepreneurs are also struggling with increasing regulatory pressure, high costs and complexity due to the laws they have to comply with, which hinders their productivity growth. They also need long-term policy and harmonization of European regulations, without national heads. Entrepreneurs also expressed their concerns about the full electricity grid. This is an obstacle to sustainability and business expansion. According to entrepreneurs, more efficient use of grid capacity and cooperation between government and business are essential to tackle this problem.
Concrete steps towards the Business Climate Pact
The insights gathered during the Summit form an important building block for the Business Climate Pact, an action plan in which the government will record concrete measures together with the business community. “We have received valuable input on the bottlenecks, but also inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who see and seize opportunities. These contributions help us to realize a solid and future-oriented business climate,” said Minister Beljaarts during the plenary closing.
Follow-up process
The Business Summit is the first in a series of activities aimed at strengthening the business climate in the Netherlands. Entrepreneurs rated it with a 6 at the beginning of 2024, according to the Business Climate Monitor. The government will further develop the Pact together with entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders. Vivienne van Eijkelenborg has been appointed as an explorer for this purpose. She will play an important role in this with her knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur and manager in a connecting way. The goal is to establish the pact before the summer of 2025.
