The Netherlands wants to become one of the world's top five knowledge economies by 2020, according to a plan presented to Dutch parliament this week. The strategy, which focuses heavily on boosting private investment in research and innovation, has some Dutch scientists worried that fundamental research will lose out.
At present, the country invests 1.8% of its gross domestic product in research and development (R&D). Speaking before the Dutch parliament on 13 September, Maxime Verhagen, Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation and Agriculture, outlined a plan that would increase that investment to 2.5% by 2020.
Verhagen says past subsidy schemes have led to Dutch R&D relying heavily on public funding, and he wants to increase the contribution made by industry.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Netherlands pushes for innovation : Nature News
Author: Marian Turner
