Action Agendas for the National Technology Strategy (NTS) has officially Launched!

On 26 January, during a well-attended event at NEMO, the ten action agendas for the priority key technologies within the National Technology Strategy were officially presented, in the presence of Vincent Karremans, Minister of Economic Affairs, and representatives of the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Key Technologies (KIA ST). Across these ten action agendas, the NTS ambitions for 2035 have been translated into 53 large-scale, multi-year public–private innovation programmes, with a total investment volume exceeding €14 billion.

The ten action agendas clearly demonstrate which technological breakthroughs, applications and ecosystems are needed to strengthen the Netherlands’ strategic position and earning capacity, and to reinforce the position of our start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs and large enterprises. At the same time, they are indispensable for addressing the societal challenges we face.

The action agendas serve as a starting point for further joint innovation. In the coming years, efforts and collaboration around the priority key technologies will be further connected and aligned with other (recent) reports and developments, including the Wennink Report, the Regional Reinforcement Plan for the National Technology Strategy (RV-NTS) of the Regional Development Agencies, the National Growth Fund programmes and European initiatives.

From strategy to action

More than 1,000 organisations from industry, knowledge institutions and government contributed to their development. With the presentation of these action agendas, government, industry and knowledge institutions are jointly taking a next, concrete step in implementing the National Technology Strategy. The agendas translate strategic choices into targeted actions, ranging from investments and innovation programmes to strengthening ecosystems and (international) collaboration. They provide direction for our economic strength, societal transitions and strategic autonomy.

Within each action agenda, one or more innovation programmes are defined. These programmes build on the Netherlands’ existing strong knowledge and industrial positions at the international level, while at the same time responding to (emerging) growth markets in order to further strengthen these positions.

In total, the strategy comprises 10 'Action Agendas':

• AI / Data

• Biomolecular & Cell Technologies

• Cybersecurity Technologies

• Energy Materials

• Imaging Technologies

• Mechatronics & Optomechatronics

• Optical Systems & Integrated Photonics

• Process Technology, including Process Intensification

• Quantum Technologies

• Semiconductor Technologies

Reactions

Vincent Karremans, Minister of Economic Affairs: “The Netherlands has a strong starting position in key technologies, with abundant talent, technological expertise, innovative capacity and a highly competitive business sector. The action agendas come at exactly the right time, during a period of geopolitical and economic pressure in which targeted investments in innovation, technology and strategic autonomy are essential.”

Peter Stolk, Chair of the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Key Technologies: “We are very pleased that these action agendas make visible an innovation potential of more than €14 billion. The 53 innovation programmes showcase both existing activities that we will further expand, as well as new innovations that will help strengthen the Netherlands’ international strategic position.”

Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research & Innovation, European Commission: “The Netherlands has long been a powerhouse of innovation in Europe. Your impressive preparatory work on the action agendas to implement the National Technology Strategy dovetails perfectly with Europe’s ambition to become more competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing world.”

There is also strong appreciation for this step at the European level. Together, the ten action agendas form a crucial link in realising the ambitions of the National Technology Strategy, clearly demonstrating where the Netherlands is focusing its efforts and how we are accelerating innovation with impact for the future.

HSD

In line with our strategy and decade-long execution capability, Security Delta (HSD) helps translate these agendas, and already acts on it, at the crossovers of these technologies by implying in several marketssegments and transitions.

To determine how we can continue to contribute to a more secure (digital) world and a more resilient and economically stronger Netherlands, Security Delta (HSD) have developed a new HSD multi-year strategy 2026-2030 in close collaboration with our partners and stakeholders. Aiming for a supported vision, clear roles, and the formulation of joint outcome goals & programme lines, emphasising our executive power. This renewed strategy aligns with emerging threats, societal needs and technological developments, ensuring that the Netherlands, South Holland and The Hague can continue to play a leading role in the (cyber) security field

Source: Kia-st.nl