The European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) shows the Netherlands is strong in science, education, digitalization and public – private partnerships.

For the second year in a row, the Netherlands ranks third on the leading European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS). The score in the 2026 edition remains well above the EU average (27.4%). As a result, the Netherlands is classified as an Innovation Leader alongside Sweden (1) and Denmark (2).

At the same time, the exact score is relatively lower than in 2025, indicating that the Netherlands’ innovation position is under pressure. To reverse this trend, the Dutch Cabinet is preparing various measures to increase public and private capital, remove barriers, and stimulate productivity and talent.

Minister Heleen Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) said: “We will implement plans to turn the tide together with companies, knowledge institutions, and other organizations as soon as possible. For example, by taking steps this year to establish the Agency for Disruptive Innovation (NADI) and the National Investment Institution (NII). And by strengthening EU cooperation to participate effectively in European projects that can provide extra support to technology or, specifically, startups and scale-ups in the Netherlands.”

The Netherlands is attractive for R&D
The Netherlands’ currently strong position is primarily due to its science, education, digitalization, and public-private partnerships. Additional investments in research and development (R&D) are necessary to maintain a strong position in the future. With 2.29% of gross domestic product invested in R&D, the Netherlands is moving towards the 3% target which the government has set.

R&D is relatively strongly reflected in the type of business that the Netherlands attracts internationally. Results for foreign direct investment in the Netherlands in 2025 published by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) show foreign businesses choose the Netherlands for its strong innovation ecosystems and collaborative R&D environment.

Strong triple helix approach drives innovation
One of the key catalysts for innovation in the Netherlands is the country’s strong approach to public-private partnerships. The Dutch triple helix approach – collaboration between government, business and knowledge institutions – is characteristic for R&D in the Netherlands.

About the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS)
The European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) measures and compares how well EU countries – and a number of non-EU countries – perform on research and innovation. Published every year by the European Commission, it gives governments and policymakers a clear picture of their country’s innovation strengths and weaknesses, and how they compare to others.

• EIS and Rijksoverheid.nl (Dutch)