COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIES (TOPSECTOR)
AGRICULTURE & FOOD
The Netherlands fosters a vibrant and diverse agricultural industry. Behind the United States, the country is the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world. It supplies a quarter of the vegetables that are exported from Europe. Furthermore, The Dutch are one of the most innovative countries in this industry, with many major companies operating R&D facilities in the Netherlands.
CHEMICAL
The Netherlands is home to more than 400 top chemical companies across the industry’s entire supply chain. In fact, 19 out of the 25 top chemical companies in the world maintain major operations in the Netherlands. Companies like LyondellBasell, SABIC, and Dow benefit from a formidable logistics infrastructure, access to important raw materials, world-class R&D institutes, and regional clustering.
LIFE-SCIENCES & HEALTH
With its high-quality infrastructure for clinical research, competitive tax support measures, and strategic location, The Netherlands provides life sciences companies immense support in entering the European market. The country works hard to support this industry, investing more than €2 billion annually into R&D and offering a home to over 2,500 innovative life sciences and health companies and research organizations.
ENERGY
The Netherlands believes strongly in the importance of the Energy industry and is has positioned itself as leader in the Offshore, Renewable and Smart Energy sectors. Continually strengthening its already strong position, The Netherlands offers world-class R&D facilities and remarkable incentive programs that support and stimulate energy innovation.
HIGH-TECH
Home to multinationals like Bosch, Tesla, Boeing, and Phillips, The Netherlands’ high tech industry is among the most innovative. This is due to the uniquely Dutch approach of openness towards research and innovation. Combined with its excellent business infrastructure and highly-educated workforce, The Netherlands presents itself as an ideal location for high tech business operation.
LOGISTIC
Logistical success is based on a combination of cutting-edge infrastructure, world-class service providers, and a competitive location. Herein, The Netherlands present itself as a formidable player. The country offers outstanding infrastructure capabilities in a central location in Europe and makes extensive use of Information Technology to deliversupply chain solutions.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Given the Dutch mentality to support innovation, it is unsurprising that the Netherlands hosts one of the most dynamic creative industries in Europe. Many innovation based businesses operate in Holland, such as graphic designers, software developers, and fashion brands. Over 172,000 people work in the Dutch Creative industry, producing €7 Billion annually.
HORTICULTURE & RAW MATERIALS
From Tulips to Gas, From FloraHolland to Royal Dutch Shell, The Netherlands proudly fosters vibrant horticultural and raw materials industries. The Netherlands’ flower industry alone is valued at over €10 billion annually, with Amsterdam hosting around 1,500 companies that provide 15,000 direct jobs to the economy.
WATER
Water is undeniably an iconic and fundamental aspect of Dutch culture. The Dutch have been working with and against water for centuries, lifting entire provinces out from below the sea. Therefore, it is unsurprising that Dutch water technologies and systems are exemplary and innovative, primarily focusing on safeguarding water and the environment.