The provinces of Brabant, Gelderland and Overijssel are calling on the cabinet to invest together in new technology and innovation. On Tuesday, the Economic Affairs deputies of the three provinces presented a document with positions to the Ministry of Economic Affairs in The Hague.
From medical technology to agriculture, in the provinces you will encounter all kinds of different sectors that are an important link for the Netherlands. In Brabant it mainly revolves around high-tech system development and mechanical engineering.
More than two-thirds of the Dutch innovative manufacturing industry is located in these provinces, making them the ‘economic engine block’ of technological innovation in the Netherlands. “But without sharp choices and a focus on these technologies, the Netherlands will lose its competitiveness,” says Brabant deputy for Economics Martijn van Gruijthuijsen.
Big challenges
The Netherlands faces major challenges due to the overcrowded electricity grid, lack of space, vulnerable digital infrastructure and a shortage of technical talent. In addition, few investors dare to take the risk to invest and innovative projects are not initiated.
But the network, experience and people to solve these problems are there in the provinces. According to Van Gruijthuijsen, the government also ‘just needs to step in’. The provinces therefore hope that with their appeal the Netherlands will dare to make choices more quickly and make targeted investments.
According to Overijssel deputy Erwin Hoogland, waiting is not an option: “Otherwise we run the risk of the Netherlands losing its technological lead. Our provinces are the heart of the Dutch manufacturing industry, but the importance extends far beyond our borders.”