Scientific coalition urges new Cabinet to boost education and research funding

Scientific bodies are urging the new Cabinet to dedicate billions of euros to education, research, and innovation over the coming years. The funding aims to help early-stage entrepreneurs secure financing to launch their projects and provide ongoing support as they expand.

The appeal comes from the Knowledge Coalition, a collaborative network comprising university and applied sciences associations, vocational education institutions, university hospitals, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), and the employers’ organizations VNO-NCW and MKB Nederland.

The coalition is calling for 2 billion euros in additional public investment next year, increasing to 3.5 billion euros by 2029. They also demand stable funding for scientific research, warning that without it, spending on knowledge and innovation will keep declining, leaving the Netherlands lagging behind surrounding countries.

The departing government reduced funding for higher education, drawing criticism from parties such as D66, CDA, and JA21. Marcel Levi, chairman of the Knowledge Coalition, stated, “Ahead of the elections, we have received indications that the value of knowledge and innovation is being acknowledged.”

It was reported earlier today that D66 has won the election for the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament.