TNO leader hints at shedding activities

TNO chairman Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi wants to cut back the number of focus areas in his organization. “TNO has to make choices to keep growing,” he says in Het Financieele Dagblad (link in Dutch). Tjin-A-Tsoi cites ASML and Imec as sources of inspiration, two organizations that have made it to the world top partly because of their strong focus. TNO wants to follow that example, although it will continue to cover multiple topics. Among other things, activities in quantum technology, integrated photonics and research into materials for energy storage will continue for sure.

Tjin-A-Tsoi also wants TNO to make a greater contribution to the emergence of new high-tech businesses. Here, too, a lack of focus is hurting Dutch innovation potential, he believes. “In the Netherlands, we try to do everything, while each of the five largest American tech companies already spends more on innovation than our entire economy.” TNO could act more often as a strategic investor, winning over other parties to get on board.