The new Dutch coalition agreement adopts several key recommendations from former ASML CEO Peter Wennink to strengthen the national economy. They include the launch of a state-backed investment institution, a disruptive innovation agency and the return of the National Growth Fund (NGF).
A national investment bank will be established within two years to catalyze private capital and innovation. The government plans to contribute up to 5 billion euros in core capital, well below Wennink’s original proposal of 10-20 billion. The bank is expected to unlock additional funds from private investors. Separately, 500 million euros have been earmarked for a National Agency for Disruptive Innovation (Nadi), modeled after the US Darpa, to support high-risk, high-impact R&D beyond just defense applications. The coalition also announced the reinstatement of the NGF to fund strategic innovation projects, though the budget has yet to be decided.
As a guest on Dutch TV show Nieuwsuur on Friday, Wennink proved cautiously optimistic about the proposed measures. He did, however, voice concern about the potentially slow political process to implement them, suggesting he would have preferred a majority coalition.
