1. Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Third International Seville Conference on Future-Oriented Technology Analysis (FTA): Impacts and implications for policy and decision-making
16th- 17th October 2008
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Marcel Kleijn & Michiel Janson
SenterNovem, The Netherlands

2. Outline In this presentation the following will be discussed:
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Outline
In this presentation the following will be discussed:
Innovation policy in the Netherlands
Innovation programmes
The relation with Foresight
Areas for improvement
Conclusion

3. Programme-based package For all entrepreneurs, EUR 600 mln / year
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Innovation policy in the Netherlands
How?
Programme-based package
Key areas, EUR 200 mln / year
Basic package
For all entrepreneurs, EUR 600 mln / year
Framework conditions

4. Innovation policy in the Netherlands
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Innovation policy in the Netherlands
Why?
Strengthen innovative capacity of the Dutch economy
e.g. share of innovative companies, % revenues with new/modified products, high tech export
Private R&D intensity, number of patents
Increased knowledge creation
Increased valorisation
Joining Forces focus and mass
Good framework conditions

5. Innovation policy in the Netherlands
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Innovation policy in the Netherlands
Joining forces in key areas: innovation programmes
Strengthen innovative capacity of the Dutch economy
e.g. share of innovative companies, % revenues with new/modified products, high tech export
Private R&D intensity, number of patents
Increased knowledge creation
Increased valorisation
Joining Forces focus and mass
Good framework conditions
Innovation Programmes:
focus on key areas in which Dutch firms operate at the technology frontier

6. Innovation programmes
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Innovation programmes
What is an innovation programme?
A set of actions, based on a joint vision and strategic agenda
Integral approach, more than ‘just’ R&D: government support includes a selection of many different financial & non-financial instruments (e.g. Human Capital)
User driven: industry & knowledge institutes are in the lead
Running time 4-6 years, time horizon 5-10 years
Internationally outstanding & ambitious
SME’s heavily involved, no closed-shop!
Regional and international strategies
Total budget per programme: within range of EUR mln / year;
Total budget innovation programmes: ± EUR 200 mln / year

7. Innovation programmes
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Innovation programmes
Current status
Point-One
Food & Nutrition Delta
Water technology
Automotive
Maritime
Running
Materials
Life Sciences & Health
Chemical Industry
Services Innovation & ICT
Logistics & Supply Chains
Retirement Management
Development
Creative Industries
Outlook

8. Innovation programmes
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Innovation programmes
How does it work?
Initiative by consortium of industry and knowlegde institutes
Development of joint focus, vision and ambition
Development of joint strategic agenda
Decision by ministry of Economic Affairs to support programme development
International excellence
Contribution to economy and society
Cohesion and (international) cooperation
Existence of bottlenecks (with a legitimate role for the government)
Programme development: defining desired results, actions, timing, responsibilities and budget
Decision by ministry of Economic Affairs to start innovation programme, based on the additional criteria:
Effectiveness and efficiency of policy intervention
Trust in the approach

9. The relation with Foresight
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
The relation with Foresight
What is the relation with Foresight?
Initiative by consortium of industry and knowledge institutes with
Development of joint focus, vision and ambition
Development of joint strategic agenda
This is Foresight, triggered by the evaluation criteria:
International excellence -> focus on national strengths -> SWOT analysis
Contribution to economy/society -> identify future growth opportunities
Cohesion/cooperation -> join forces

10. The relation with Foresight
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
The relation with Foresight
Which Foresight methods are used?
Tools that are used in practice are e.g.
SWOT analysis
Interviews
expert panels
literature review
Brainstorming
trend extrapolation
technology roamapping
Mega trend analysis.
Special characteristics:
No control by government
No ‘grand design’

11. Areas for improvement Which Foresight methods are not used?
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Areas for improvement
Which Foresight methods are not used?
Tools suited for the longer term, such as
Scenarios
Futures workshops
Delphi
Surveys/questionnaires
Essays
Moreover, there is typically no involvement of Foresight professionals

12. Areas for improvement What can be improved?
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Areas for improvement
What can be improved?
Quality of participation, i.e. more effective involvement of stakeholders in the preparation of the collective vision
Better usage of collective knowledge
More commitment
Longer time horizon
Allowing for a better alignment with the national research agenda
Challenge: how can the Dutch government improve these aspects, while not being in control of the process?

13. Thank you for your attention! Any questions?
Innovation programmes in the Netherlands
Conclusion
After two years of innovation programmes
Positive:
Eight programmes running, three being developed
Over organisations involved
Programmes are based upon collective visions and strategic agenda’s
Areas of improvement:
Quality of participation in vision/agenda building phase
Longer time horizon
Thank you for your attention! Any questions?