Starting next year, the current top sectors policy will be replaced by a new strategic industrial policy focused on six specific markets and tying innovation even more strongly to the National Technology Strategy. Holland High Tech plays a key role as a bridge between businesses, knowledge institutions, and government in driving innovation through public-private partnerships within our innovation domains, and as coordinator of the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Key Enabling Technologies. We will continue this role unabated from 2026 onwards.
Peter Stolk, chair Holland High Tech:
Holland High Tech's strength lies in stimulating and coordinating innovation in key technologies and further building the international future of the Dutch high-tech sector. Through the collaborations we've built with entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and policymakers, we are well-positioned to align with the National Technology Strategy and its associated action agendas. This provides direction and focus. Simultaneously, we are a key player in the high-tech, systems, and materials sectors, in the six strategic markets designated by the government. Together with our ecosystem, we work to strengthen the Netherlands' earning capacity and contribute to our autonomy, security, and technological innovation to address major societal challenges.
Since the launch of the top sectors policy, much has changed in economic, technological, and geopolitical terms. This prompted the Ministry of Economic Affairs to adopt a more focused and strategic approach, building on the foundation laid by the top sectors policy. This shift in the policy's structure creates opportunities for greater focus, including on strengthening Dutch technological sovereignty.
Peter Stolk, chair of the top team on behalf of Holland High Tech, thanks the members who, together with our entire ecosystem, have made the growth of the High Tech Systems and Materials sector possible:
My thanks go out to the current top team and all predecessors who, with vision and energy, have built our sector and Holland High Tech.
Stay connected
Holland High Tech remains a key player in the government's Mission-Driven Innovation Policy, as coordinator of the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Key Technologies (KIA ST). The KIA ST, together with partners from the business community, knowledge institutions, and government, develops action agendas and innovation programs focused on technology development, safety, autonomy, and sustainability.
Holland High Tech will now explicitly focus on the frameworks of the National Technology Strategy and the associated (high-tech) action agendas. It will do this through the innovation domains. These ten domains connect key technologies with societal urgency and economic profitability. The development of innovation agendas, the programming of strategic programs, and the formation of consortia will continue to be directly aligned with the changing policy.
