News item | 11-07-2023 | 2:30 pm
Innovation is the basis for remaining a leader in global developments in the areas of climate, energy, high tech, digitization and healthcare. More research into and development of innovative technology, products and services in the Netherlands is therefore necessary. In 2022, Dutch companies will have invested more than ever in this (8.2 billion euros) with support from the Research and Development Promotion Act (WBSO) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. This is stated in the annual report published by Minister Micky Adriaansens (EZK).
The amount awarded is an increase of 5.9% compared to the previous record score from 2021. Never since the start in 1994 have companies invested so much in innovation with the help of the WBSO. These investments come from nearly 20,000 entrepreneurs, 97% of which are SMEs. This allowed them to reduce their costs for research and development of new innovations by more than 1.3 billion euros.
Minister Micky Adriaansens (EZK): “We fully encourage entrepreneurs to invest in research and development. Innovation is the answer to various challenges. Think of reducing dependence, but also tackling raw material scarcity and accelerating sustainability and digitization. It’s good to see our companies doing that more than ever before. Through the WBSO I am happy to support all these innovative starters, SMEs and large companies that benefit society as a whole.”
Number of supported full-time jobs increased
Through the WBSO, companies can reduce part of their wage costs and other necessary expenditure for research and development (R&D). From the annual report Focus on research & development, the WBSO in 2022 shows that the amount of innovation projects consists of €4.7 billion in wage costs and €3.5 billion in non-wage costs. That is an increase of almost 500 million euros compared to 2021.
The work for which companies received WBSO involves just under 93,000 high-quality jobs (full-time jobs), an increase of almost 1,600 jobs compared to 2021. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy . More through rvo.nl/wbso.
Men’s fashion that lasts longer and smarter batteries for energy storage
One of the companies making successful use of the innovation scheme is the sustainable men’s clothing brand LABFRESH. The company’s special technology has been developed with support from the WBSO. This ensures that the clothing is stain, odor, sweat and wrinkle resistant, so you have to wash it less often and it lasts longer. The company has its own stores in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, outlets in almost a hundred countries and wants to expand worldwide.
There is plenty of wind and solar energy, but how do you store it smartly? A crucial part of our energy transition where more efficiency is a challenge. Company Elestor from Arnhem, with support from the WBSO, is developing an innovative and cheaper battery that can store large amounts of electricity for a long time. The materials, cells, systems and controls have been renewed for this battery.
More practical examples and information can be found in the WBSO annual report.