Science research funding drops in NL

The government will again spend less on scientific research in the next few years, according to a preliminary report by the Rathenau Institute. Research funding will drop from €4.5 billion in 2014 to €4.1 billion in 2018.

The primary reason for the drop is because many programs financed by the Economic Restructuring Fund (FES) are coming to an end. €760 million was reserved for innovation, according to the institute. If tax breaks are also taken into consideration that amount adds up to €2.1 billion. This amount is expected to drop to €1.6 billion by 2018. The Rathenau Institute is still discussing which spending is to be considered for innovative purposes, but doesn't expect the numbers to change much.