The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has expressed “deep disappointment” over the cancellation of its long-standing Perspectief program, which funds interdisciplinary consortia working on early-stage technologies with clear application potential. According to NWO, the move contradicts the government’s broader ambitions to strengthen innovation and reach higher R&D investment levels. That position is backed by stakeholders in academia and industry approached by Bits&Chips.
Operating in the TRL 1-6 range, Perspectief aims to bridge the gap between curiosity-driven research and industrial deployment. Beyond forging ecosystems, the program is considered a valuable tool for preparing researchers and engineers for applied research environments.
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) announced the cancellation in an explanatory memorandum to the budget, citing an “inconclusive evaluation” of the program. However, a successor is being considered. “When revising the public-private partnership innovation scheme, with the renewed program set to start in 2028, the impact of discontinuing the Perspectief program will be taken into account.”
A small and informal survey in industry and academia conducted by Bits&Chips suggests that Perspectief was well-liked and considered effective. Participants agree with NWO that the move is at odds with the cabinet’s stated intention to boost innovation. “Discontinuing a successful NWO scheme like Perspectief doesn’t align well with improving the innovation climate in the Netherlands,” an ASML spokesperson told Bits&Chips. Most who were contacted declined to comment on the record while discussions with EZK are ongoing.
