In its eleventh and final annual report, "State of SMEs," the Dutch Committee for Entrepreneurship, of which Queen Máxima is also a member, emphasizes that SME labor productivity is declining. Profitability is under pressure, and without action, entrepreneurs' earning capacity risks stagnating. The report, presented at Unmanned Valley, an innovative field lab for drones and autonomous technology, shows that SMEs can only grow in efficiency and competitiveness with a strong boost.
The Committee advocates for a more rigorous, national approach to strengthening the business climate. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate greater innovative ambition, while the government must take a more proactive approach. The Committee emphasizes that governments must collaborate more effectively, that the business community and government must work together, and that SME services must be more closely aligned with regional needs. Within ecosystems like Unmanned Valley, where drones, robotics, and autonomous technology are being developed, the Committee sees how innovation can directly contribute to higher productivity and more growth opportunities.
Transition to a new structure
The Committee will formally cease operations on 1 April 2026. In its place, a Productivity Council will be established, in which the SME perspective will be structurally embedded. This new council will follow up on the Committee's reporting work with concrete plans and actions.
