News item | 11-04-2025 | 15:30
With all kinds of applications, biotechnology contributes to various challenges in areas such as health, food production and circular economy. It is necessary that we get innovations on the market in the Netherlands and Europe faster. To be less dependent on other countries and to stay competitive in the world. The cabinet therefore has the ambition that the Netherlands belongs to the global leading group in biotechnology in 2040.
This is stated in the cabinet vision on biotechnology to which the Council of Ministers has agreed to the proposal of Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs) and State Secretary Jansen (Infrastructure and Water Management).
Traditionally, the Netherlands has already had a lot of knowledge of biotechnology. To accelerate innovations on the market, the cabinet is looking at the scrapping of national heads and the possibilities of (reguluwe) testing grounds: both nationally and European. Through projects in the National Groeifonds (NGF), the government will invest nearly € 1.3 billion extra in biotechnology in the coming years.
The more targeted use of these and other existing resources and investigating space in current laws and regulations can help in the short term to strengthen the position of the Netherlands in this. For the longer term, the government is also looking at any new financial incentive options.
Strengthen the EU and the Netherlands around biotechnology
The (control) testing grounds connect to the EU Biotech Act and the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Hub With which the European Commission wants to improve the competitive position of EU countries. In addition, the cabinet argues in the EU for the equalization of regulations between Member States based on the latest scientific knowledge. This stimulates innovation and also ensures a level playing field within Europe itself.
Biotechnological Innovations
Biotechnological innovations, for example, plants can be made in a targeted way against drought, diseases and teasing. With the technology it is also possible to develop medicines against infectious and rare diseases faster or to work on biodegradable and circular packaging. Industrial biotechnology is used for the production of various materials and fuels that contribute to the sustainability of industry.
The letter to the House of Representatives on this cabinet vision was co -signed by Minister Agema (VWS), State Secretary Karremans (VWS), Minister Bruins (OCW), Minister Hermans (KGG) and State Secretary Rummenie (LVVN).