The Netherlands continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreign investment, particularly in innovation-driven sectors. In 2025, international companies significantly expanded their footprint across the country, with research and development (R&D) emerging as the leading category of investment projects for the first time.
Out of 180 foreign companies that established or expanded operations in the Netherlands last year, 53 projects (representing 30%) were focused primarily on R&D. This milestone underscores the country’s growing appeal as a hub for innovation, where businesses can develop, test, and scale new technologies within a highly collaborative environment.
A collaborative model that accelerates innovation
At the heart of the Netherlands’ success lies its unique “triple helix” approach—close cooperation between industry, academia, and government. This model fosters co-creation, shortens innovation cycles, and enables faster commercialization of research outcomes.
International companies benefit from access to highly skilled talent, cutting-edge research facilities, and strong connections to global markets. Just as importantly, they integrate seamlessly into established innovation ecosystems, contributing to and benefiting from shared knowledge and infrastructure.
Recent investments highlight this dynamic. AstraZeneca expanded its pharmaceutical production facility in Nijmegen, reinforcing the country’s Life Sciences & Health cluster. Dai Nippon Printing established its first R&D hub outside Japan at the High-Tech Campus Eindhoven, advancing semiconductor innovation. Meanwhile, CoeusAI chose Rotterdam for its global headquarters, focusing on AI-driven solutions to accelerate the energy transition.
Life Sciences & Health: a connected European powerhouse
The Netherlands has firmly established itself as a leading European hub for Life Sciences & Health, attracting global players such as Merck, Amgen, and Philips.
This success is driven by a combination of world-class infrastructure, a collaborative healthcare ecosystem, and a strong focus on improving quality of life while maintaining affordability. The country’s compact geography and advanced logistics make it an ideal base for companies seeking seamless access to European and global markets.
The Netherlands also excels in therapy development, with well-established ecosystems spanning biopharmaceuticals, oncology, regenerative medicine, infectious diseases, and vaccine development. In health tech and digital health, the convergence of medical expertise, IT capabilities, and smart logistics creates fertile ground for innovation.
Clinical research is another major strength. Approximately 600 new clinical drug trials are initiated in the Netherlands each year, supported by a network of University Medical Centers where research and patient care are closely integrated.
Regulatory excellence further enhances the country’s appeal. The presence of the European Medicines Agency in Amsterdam, alongside the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, places the Netherlands at the centre of European decision-making in regulatory science and advanced therapies.
Agrifood: global leader in sustainable innovation
Alongside Life Sciences & Health, the Netherlands stands out as a global powerhouse in agrifood and agricultural technology. Despite its small size, the country is the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products, driven by advanced farming techniques and smart food technologies.
It is also home to the world’s leading agrifood university, Wageningen University & Research, and hosts R&D operations for all top 10 global agrifood companies. With the highest agrifood R&D investment worldwide, the Netherlands is at the forefront of developing sustainable food systems.
Innovation is supported by a dense network of research institutes and open innovation hubs. The Biotech Campus Delft and Planet B.io provide facilities for the full innovation cycle, from research and piloting to industrial-scale production. Companies such as Meatable, Vivici, and DSM collaborate in these environments alongside scientists, investors, and policymakers.
Other key institutions include NIZO Food Research and the World Horti Center, where cutting-edge greenhouse technologies are developed. Initiatives such as Foodvalley, the Protein Community, and the Brightlands Future Farming Institute further strengthen the ecosystem.
A shared vision for the future
Central to the Netherlands’ agrifood strategy is its ambition to become a global leader in circular agriculture by 2030. Government policies actively support sustainable innovation, including the development of alternative proteins through cellular agriculture, fermentation, and algae-based solutions.
This forward-looking approach is grounded in a deeply collaborative mindset, often described as “1+1=3.” By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, stakeholders across the agrifood value chain are able to tackle global challenges such as food security and climate change more effectively.
A destination for innovation-led growth
The 2025 investment figures highlight a clear trend: foreign companies are increasingly choosing the Netherlands not just as a market entry point, but as a strategic base for innovation.
With its strong ecosystems, collaborative culture, and commitment to sustainability, the Netherlands offers a unique environment where international businesses can thrive. As global challenges become more complex, the country’s ability to bring together talent, technology, and partnerships will remain a key driver of its continued success in attracting high-value investment.
References
Invest in Holland. (2026, February 12). Foreign Companies Expand R&D Footprint in the Netherlands in 2025. Retrieved from Invest in Holland: https://investinholland.com/news/foreign-companies-expand-rd-footprint-in-the-netherlands-in-2025/
Invest in Holland. (2026). Life Sciences & Health Invention and Innovation Driven by Collaboration. Retrieved from Invest in Holland: https://investinholland.com/doing-business-here/industries/life-sciences-health/
Invest in Holland. (2026). The Netherlands: circular agri-economy pioneer and powerhouse of food innovation. Retrieved from Invest in Holland: https://investinholland.com/doing-business-here/industries/agrifood/
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