The Dutch are concerned about tackling complex social issues such as energy transition, climate, agriculture and horticulture, accessibility of healthcare, affordable housing, and the maintenance of our national earning capacity in a rapidly changing geopolitical climate. The Social and Cultural Planning Office has carefully assessed and expressed these concerns in the run-up to the elections. The Netherlands Academy of Engineering has made 6 recommendations to the new cabinet.
Technology-driven innovation can and must play a key role in improving the Dutch social and economic situation. The substantial contribution of the technological industry and technology-driven innovation to our national prosperity and social security are undeniable, but at the same time there are still plenty of opportunities to utilize the potential of the innovation capacity in the Netherlands much better and to use it for the major social issues.
The Netherlands Academy of Engineering stands for a credible approach, based on an appealing vision and broad social support. An approach that takes into account the security and well-being of current and future generations, while maintaining strategic autonomy, and that offers a solid future perspective for all regions of our country.
Netherlands Academy of Engineering therefore makes 6 recommendations to a new cabinet:
- Highlight the opportunities that technology and innovation offer for tackling our societal challenges
- Promote systems thinking and a multidisciplinary approach to finding sustainable solutions to complex issues
- Stimulate regional innovation ecosystems in which companies, knowledge institutions, government and citizens work together intensively
- Promote international cooperation and underline the importance of the export of excellent technology for our earning capacity
- Continue to attract foreign talent and ensure that this talent stays here to strengthen our innovative power
- Develop a new multi-year plan for investments in public-private partnerships and foster a world-class startup ecosystem
There are extremely important tasks for the coming period of government. NAE helps formulate an appealing vision and orchestrates its realization together with the innovation ecosystems.
