Here's Holland Compared - Enterprise Europe Network
Here's Holland Compared - Enterprise Europe Network
Here's Holland Compared - Enterprise Europe Network
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Here’s <strong>Holland</strong> <strong>Compared</strong>
Colofon November 2009<br />
This publication, <strong>Holland</strong> <strong>Compared</strong> 2010 is part of the publication<br />
Here’s <strong>Holland</strong>! 2010 and is published by the Dutch Ministry of<br />
Economic Affairs. The Ministry provides information regarding<br />
interesting Dutch products, technologies and macro-economic<br />
developments. In addition to this macro-economic overview, Made<br />
in <strong>Holland</strong> sector magazines are published several times throughout<br />
the year, each covering a different sector of Dutch industry and<br />
commerce. For further information please contact the Dutch embassy<br />
or consulate in your area, or visit www.hollandtrade.com to learn<br />
even more about Dutch commerce.<br />
‘The availability of work permits for knowledge workers,<br />
the open culture and overall ease of living in the<br />
Netherlands add up to an environment that is friendly to<br />
expatriates.’<br />
Merck & Co. | Merck Sharp & Dohme BV (MSD)<br />
‘The Netherlands offers a number of clear advantages<br />
for a growing international organization. These include a<br />
high level of education and in-depth technical knowledge,<br />
linguistic aptitude and the multinational trade spirit of the<br />
Dutch.’<br />
Cisco Systems<br />
Editor-in-Chief<br />
Mijke van Welsenes<br />
Final editors<br />
Michelle Lemmers<br />
Caroline Boessenkool<br />
Contributors<br />
Christel van der Vorst<br />
Ron Hogenboom<br />
Annelies Drost<br />
Editorial address<br />
Redactie <strong>Holland</strong> <strong>Compared</strong><br />
P.O. Box 20105<br />
2500 EC The Hague<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Translation and revision<br />
Overtaal Language Services,<br />
Utrecht<br />
Design<br />
Tappan Communicatie, The Hague<br />
Printing<br />
Koninklijke Broese en Peereboom,<br />
Breda<br />
Copyright<br />
Articles may be reprinted<br />
or reproduced only with<br />
acknowledgement of the source:<br />
Source: <strong>Holland</strong> <strong>Compared</strong> 2010<br />
No rights may be derived from the<br />
contents of this publication.<br />
‘The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in <strong>Europe</strong><br />
in which to do business. The people not only speak<br />
English, they are also very open and they do business in a<br />
clear, straightforward, no-nonsense way.’<br />
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Contents<br />
Foreword 6<br />
General information 8<br />
Population by age 10<br />
Quality of life 11<br />
Global Business Environment Ranking 12<br />
Macro indicators 13<br />
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 14<br />
GDP per capita 15<br />
GDP per hour 16<br />
Percentage growth in GDP 17<br />
Inflation 18<br />
Employment rates 19<br />
Part-time work 20<br />
Average unemployment 21<br />
Trade and foreign investment 22<br />
Dutch exports of goods and services 23<br />
World’s top 10 exporters of goods 24<br />
World’s top 10 importers of goods 25<br />
Geographic origin of imports 26<br />
Geographic destination of Dutch exports 27<br />
Composition of Dutch imports 28<br />
Composition of Dutch exports 29<br />
Major foreign investors worldwide 30<br />
Main recipients of foreign investment 31<br />
Human capital and innovation 32<br />
Education level: upper secondary education 33<br />
Capacities of school children 34<br />
Human Development Index 35<br />
E-readiness 36<br />
Number of entrepreneurs 37<br />
Most innovative countries 38<br />
R&D expenditure 39<br />
Top 10 innovative Dutch businesses 40<br />
Top 10 knowledge and research institutes 41<br />
Academic publications per researcher (FTE) 42<br />
Citation impact 43<br />
Triadic patent applications 44<br />
Infrastructure 45<br />
Quality of water transportation 46<br />
Logistics performance index 47<br />
<strong>Europe</strong>an airport traffic and transport 48<br />
Transhipment of goods 49<br />
Number of broadband connections 50<br />
Government 51<br />
Government effectiveness 52<br />
Corruption perception index 53<br />
EU position in Doing Business 54<br />
Starting up a new business 55<br />
National debt 56<br />
Corporate tax rate on profit 57<br />
4 5
The hard facts that illustrate the Netherlands show that the country mainly<br />
has exports to thank for its strong economy. The Netherlands has one of the<br />
world’s most open economies. The share of international trade in the Dutch<br />
economy in 2007 was 70% – higher than in Germany, Japan or the United<br />
States. The chances are high, therefore, that the tomato you ate at dinner last<br />
night was from among the 1 billion kilograms grown in Dutch greenhouses<br />
and exported in 2008, and that those Asian electronics arrived via the Port<br />
of Rotterdam. With key logistical hubs such as the Port of Rotterdam and<br />
Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands is literally the ‘Gateway to <strong>Europe</strong>’. As<br />
the Minister for Foreign Trade, I am extremely proud of the key position the<br />
Netherlands holds in the global marketplace.<br />
The facts behind<br />
the Netherlands<br />
A picture speaks a thousand words and<br />
numbers can paint pictures. Anyone<br />
wanting to know what it’s like to do<br />
business with the Dutch may be inspired<br />
by the colourful business stories featured<br />
in the counterpart to this booklet (‘Here’s<br />
<strong>Holland</strong>!’), but, ultimately, it’s the numbers<br />
that really complete the equation.<br />
Photograph: Nick Franken<br />
The economic turmoil that began in 2008 and which is affecting virtually<br />
every economy, is also affecting the Netherlands as we are one of the world’s<br />
largest exporting nations. The decline in global trade is therefore tangible,<br />
because, as the saying goes, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall”.<br />
Nevertheless, the situation is not insurmountable. Even though the world<br />
around us is changing, the Netherlands remains steady as a rock on many<br />
different fronts; Rotterdam is still <strong>Europe</strong>’s largest port. The same can be said<br />
of ICT: with high-quality ICT connections, the Netherlands is a global hub and<br />
the digital gateway to <strong>Europe</strong>.<br />
This booklet presents the figures that form the foundation for this innovative,<br />
sustainable and attractive business location behind the dikes. After centuries<br />
of facing the challenges of weather, wind and seas, we Dutch take these<br />
challenges in our stride and turn them to our advantage. It’s this attitude that<br />
helped us, literally, to build our land and that enables us to continue to build<br />
our future.<br />
Frank Heemskerk<br />
Minister for Foreign Trade<br />
www.hollandtrade.com<br />
7
GRONINGEN<br />
Leeuwarden<br />
Groningen<br />
FRIESLAND<br />
Assen<br />
DRENTHE<br />
NOORD-<br />
HOLLAND<br />
North Sea<br />
FLEVOLAND<br />
Zwolle<br />
OVERIJSSEL<br />
Amsterdam<br />
the Hague<br />
ZUID-HOLLAND<br />
Rotterdam<br />
Utrecht<br />
UTRECHT<br />
GELDERLAND<br />
Arnhem<br />
Breda<br />
Germany<br />
Middelburg<br />
NOORD-BRABANT<br />
ZEELAND<br />
Eindhoven<br />
Belgium<br />
LIMBURG<br />
UK<br />
BELGIUM<br />
GERMANY<br />
FRANCE<br />
Maastricht<br />
General information<br />
The Netherlands, often referred-to as <strong>Holland</strong>, is<br />
a land of windmills, cheese and tulips. While that<br />
may sound rather corny, it’s actually quite accurate,<br />
because the truth that the many centuries of<br />
expertise the country has gained in draining water<br />
from land – yes, with those very windmills – has<br />
made the Netherlands a formidable force in water<br />
management country, and one that is very advanced<br />
in these uncertain times of climate change. And as<br />
for the cheese and tulips, the Netherlands is one of<br />
the world’s largest exporters of agrifood products. It<br />
is, in short, a dynamic country to work and live in.<br />
Official name<br />
State form<br />
Kingdom of the Netherlands<br />
Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary<br />
Democracy<br />
Head of State Queen Beatrix of Orange-Nassau<br />
Capital<br />
Amsterdam<br />
Seat of Government The Hague<br />
Administrative structure Twelve provinces and the overseas territories<br />
of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles<br />
Surface area 33,800 km 2<br />
Location<br />
Western <strong>Europe</strong>, by the North Sea, bordering<br />
Belgium and Germany<br />
Number of inhabitants 16,527,595 (August 2009)<br />
Number of inhabitants<br />
per km² 489 (August 2009)<br />
Monetary unit<br />
Languages<br />
Euro<br />
Dutch, Frisian<br />
9
9.57<br />
9.36<br />
9.20<br />
9.13<br />
9.07<br />
9.05<br />
8.94<br />
8.79<br />
8.26<br />
8.05<br />
older than 80; 4%<br />
65-80; 11%<br />
0-20; 24%<br />
45-65; 27%<br />
20-45; 34%<br />
Population by age Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Brake on population growth<br />
Austria<br />
Denmark<br />
Sweden<br />
Luxembourg<br />
Finland<br />
Germany<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Belgium<br />
France<br />
Ireland<br />
Quality of life Source: IMD Business School, 2009<br />
General information<br />
In total, 16,5 million people live on the relatively small piece of<br />
land that is the Netherlands, which makes the country one of the<br />
most densely populated in the world. However, the growth in the<br />
population continues to slow in the Netherlands, as in many other<br />
Western countries. This slowdown in growth, together with an<br />
increasingly healthy generation aged 65 and over, has resulted in<br />
an ageing population, with an ever-decreasing workforce who are<br />
required to support an increasingly-large number of senior citizens.<br />
Attractive environment<br />
Whether you are here for business or pleasure, the Netherlands is<br />
a very pleasant environment to live in. The country currently ranks<br />
seventh in the <strong>Europe</strong>an Union in terms of quality of life.<br />
Leisure amenities are within easy reach and Dutch cities have much<br />
to offer, such as the centuries-old architecture of Amsterdam,<br />
Delft, Groningen and Leiden, as well as cultural activities and worldfamous<br />
museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the recently<br />
opened Hermitage in Amsterdam.<br />
General information<br />
10 11
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
General information<br />
Finland<br />
Canada<br />
Singapore<br />
Switzerland<br />
Hong Kong<br />
Denmark<br />
Sweden<br />
Australia<br />
New Zealand<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Global Business Environment Ranking (2009-2013)<br />
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009<br />
Looking for a <strong>Europe</strong>an base<br />
The Netherlands is also among the world leaders when it comes to<br />
its business climate, according to a number of international league<br />
tables published by renowned institutes such as the Economist<br />
Intelligence Unit. The competitive fiscal climate, top-level<br />
physical and technological infrastructure and quality of life are key<br />
contributors to the country’s success. The Netherlands is therefore<br />
an attractive location for companies seeking a <strong>Europe</strong>an base and for<br />
those wishing to make investments.<br />
Macro indicators<br />
In a resilient and open economy<br />
such as that of the Netherlands, the<br />
effects of the decline in world trade<br />
as a result of the economic recession<br />
are felt immediately. However, the<br />
Netherlands continues to perform<br />
well on many fronts. Rotterdam, for<br />
example, is still <strong>Europe</strong>’s largest port,<br />
unemployment is low compared<br />
to many other countries and the<br />
Netherlands has a world-class ICT<br />
infrastructure.<br />
12 13
2,922,553<br />
45,489<br />
45,027<br />
2,199,677<br />
2,115,012<br />
1,848,988<br />
1,456,158<br />
39,222<br />
37,119<br />
36,632<br />
35,961<br />
35,656<br />
35,382<br />
34,700<br />
34,391<br />
680,022<br />
673,120<br />
374,125<br />
343,951<br />
329,111<br />
Germany<br />
United Kingdom<br />
France<br />
Italy<br />
Spain<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Poland<br />
Belgium<br />
Sweden<br />
Greece<br />
United States<br />
Ireland<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Austria<br />
Sweden<br />
Denmark<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Belgium<br />
Finland<br />
Germany<br />
Macro indicators<br />
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (2008)<br />
GDP per capita GDP per capita in US dollars. Source: OECD, 2009<br />
GDP in millions of US dollars. Source: OECD, 2009<br />
Sixth-largest EU economy<br />
High average income<br />
The Netherlands is one of the wealthiest nations in the <strong>Europe</strong>an<br />
In terms of surface area and population size, it will come as no<br />
Union, and fares well in comparisons with comparable economies<br />
surprise that the Netherlands is not a particularly large country,<br />
outside the <strong>Europe</strong>an Union, such as that of the United States.<br />
occupying 133rd and 61st positions, respectively. In contrast, the<br />
The high average income of the Dutch is the result of high labour<br />
country’s economic performance ranks much higher. The size of the<br />
productivity and a high level of labour participation.<br />
economy, or the Gross Domestic Product, was more than 680 billion<br />
US dollars in 2008. The Netherlands has the sixth-largest economy in<br />
the <strong>Europe</strong>an Union.<br />
14 15<br />
Macro Indicators
1.8<br />
55.41<br />
54.89<br />
54.22<br />
52.94<br />
52.32<br />
50.37<br />
49.05<br />
48.25<br />
46.13<br />
44.05<br />
4.1<br />
3.3<br />
2.8<br />
2.7<br />
2.6<br />
2.5<br />
2.3<br />
2.3<br />
2.0<br />
The Netherlands<br />
United States<br />
Belgium<br />
Austria<br />
France<br />
Germany<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Ireland<br />
Sweden<br />
Denmark<br />
Ireland<br />
Finland<br />
Austria<br />
Sweden<br />
The Netherlands<br />
United States<br />
Belgium<br />
United Kingdom<br />
*Euro area<br />
France<br />
GDP per hour (2008) GDP per hour in US dollars.<br />
Percentage growth in GDP (2004-2008) Source: OECD, 2009<br />
Source: The Conference Board and Groningen Growth and Development Centre, 2009<br />
Productive employees<br />
Prosperous, sustainable and<br />
enterprising<br />
Macro Indicators<br />
The working population of the Netherlands is highly educated, and<br />
a large percentage of adults speak more than one foreign language.<br />
This high standard of education combined with strong economic<br />
factors, such as the physical and knowledge infrastructure, enable<br />
employees to be highly productive. Labour productivity per hour is<br />
amongst the highest in <strong>Europe</strong>. The Netherlands has succeeded in<br />
linking this to a high level of labour participation.<br />
From 2004 onwards, economic growth in the Netherlands averaged<br />
2.6%; an excellent performance for a highly developed economy<br />
with a high standard of living (see also the GDP per capita). The<br />
structural reforms that have been carried out – such as in the labour<br />
market and in social security – have created healthy economic<br />
growth potential. This potential offers room for investments in<br />
knowledge and innovation, for example, so that the Netherlands will<br />
remain a prosperous, sustainable, and also enterprising nation.<br />
*Euro area = total area covered by the member states of the EU that use the<br />
euro as their currency.<br />
Macro Indicators<br />
16 17
1.5<br />
1.7 2.0<br />
2.1<br />
2.2<br />
2.2<br />
2.3<br />
2.4<br />
2.6<br />
81.0<br />
78.9<br />
75.9<br />
74.2<br />
74.1<br />
72.3<br />
71.3<br />
71.2<br />
69.4<br />
67.5<br />
1.6<br />
Finland<br />
Sweden<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Denmark<br />
Germany<br />
France<br />
Austria<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Euro area<br />
Belgium<br />
Denmark<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Sweden<br />
Germany<br />
Austria<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Finland<br />
United States<br />
Ireland<br />
Euro area<br />
Inflation (2004-2008)<br />
Average annual price increases in percentages. Source: OECD, 2009<br />
Low inflation<br />
Employment rates (2008)<br />
The ratio of total employment to the population of working age.<br />
Source: OECD, 2009<br />
High labour participation rate<br />
Macro Indicators<br />
In recent years, the Dutch government, in consultation with the<br />
Over the past two years, the Netherlands has enjoyed the highest<br />
social partners, has implemented a strong wage restraint policy,<br />
level of employment in the Euro area. The attractive business climate<br />
which has ensured in part that inflation has remained low.<br />
and healthy entrepreneurial spirit have created a high level of<br />
Inflation in the Netherlands in 2008 was extremely low compared<br />
business activity in the Netherlands.<br />
to the other <strong>Europe</strong>an countries. With the exception of December,<br />
inflation in the Netherlands remained below the Euro area average<br />
for the entire year.<br />
18 19<br />
Macro Indicators
36.1<br />
7.0 7.9<br />
8.1<br />
8.4<br />
22.9<br />
22.1<br />
21.0<br />
18.7<br />
18.0<br />
17.6<br />
14.4<br />
13.4<br />
11.5<br />
4.0<br />
4.2<br />
4.4<br />
4.8<br />
5.2<br />
5.5<br />
The Netherlands<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Germany<br />
Ireland<br />
Belgium<br />
Denmark<br />
Austria<br />
Sweden<br />
France<br />
Finland<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Denmark<br />
Luxembourg<br />
Ireland<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Austria<br />
Sweden<br />
Belgium<br />
Euro area<br />
France<br />
Macro Indicators<br />
Part-time work (2008)<br />
Part-time work as a percentage of employment as a whole. Source: OECD, 2009<br />
Many part-time employees<br />
Average unemployment (2004-2008)<br />
Average unemployment as a percentage of the working population.<br />
Source: OECD, 2009<br />
Low unemployment<br />
A relatively high proportion of Dutch people work part-time. This is<br />
often a deliberate decision, allowing employees to combine work<br />
The rate of unemployment in the Netherlands, even during the<br />
with caring for their family. From an international perspective,<br />
recent economic downturn, is one of the lowest in <strong>Europe</strong>.<br />
the number of people in the Netherlands who work part-time,<br />
From 2004 to 2008, an average of approximately 4% of the potential<br />
particularly women, is high: nearly 75% of all Dutch part-time<br />
working population was unemployed, while the corresponding rate<br />
workers are women.<br />
in the euro countries as a whole was more than 8.0%. The economic<br />
crisis has led to an increase in unemployment in the Netherlands<br />
to 4.8% in June 2009, but this is still far below the average in<br />
neighbouring countries.<br />
20 21<br />
Macro Indicators
Trade and foreign<br />
investment<br />
With its exports, imports, attracting<br />
foreign investors, and investments<br />
abroad, the Netherlands plays a<br />
prominent role in the world economy.<br />
Its age-old international orientation,<br />
favourable location in relation to the<br />
<strong>Europe</strong>an hinterland and its sound<br />
infrastructure, with main ports such<br />
as the Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol<br />
Airport, have helped the Netherlands<br />
to become an important international<br />
centre of trade.<br />
1988<br />
44.0%<br />
1995<br />
56.1%<br />
2000<br />
70.1%<br />
2005<br />
78.4%<br />
2008<br />
84.3%<br />
Dutch exports of goods and services<br />
Exports of goods and services as a proportion of GDP in %.<br />
Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Traditionally open economy<br />
Since the 17 th century, the Netherlands has had an open economy,<br />
and trade with other countries is still of great significance. In 2008,<br />
the value of exports compared to GDP was 84.3%. According to<br />
research carried out by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy<br />
Analysis, the country earns no less than 30% of its income from the<br />
export of goods and services.<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
23
1,465<br />
1,428<br />
1,301<br />
2,166<br />
782<br />
634<br />
609<br />
540<br />
477<br />
472<br />
458<br />
1,206<br />
1,133<br />
762<br />
708<br />
632<br />
574<br />
556<br />
470<br />
435<br />
Ger m a n y<br />
C hin a<br />
United States<br />
Japan<br />
The Netherlands<br />
France<br />
Italy<br />
Belgium<br />
Russian Federation<br />
United Kingdom<br />
United States<br />
Germany<br />
China<br />
Japan<br />
France<br />
United Kingdom<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Italy<br />
Belgium<br />
S o ut h Kore a<br />
World’s top 10 exporters of goods (2008)<br />
World’s top 10 importers of goods (2008)<br />
Value in billions of US dollars. Source: WTO, 2009<br />
Value in billions of US dollars. Source: WTO, 2009<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
World’s fifth-largest<br />
exporter of goods<br />
The Netherlands occupies a prominent position when it comes to<br />
world trade. It is the fifth-largest exporter of goods in the world.<br />
In 2008, it exported goods worth more than 634 billion US dollars<br />
(3.9% of the world total). The Netherlands is also a significant<br />
exporter of commercial services – exports of which amounted to<br />
102 billion US dollars in 2008, placing the country tenth in the world<br />
rankings.<br />
Seventh-largest importer<br />
The Netherlands is not just a major exporter. It also imports large<br />
quantities of goods – almost 574 billion US dollars worth in 2008.<br />
With a 3.5% share of the global total, the country is the seventhlargest<br />
importer of goods in the world. The Netherlands is also a<br />
significant importer of commercial services, which totalled<br />
92 billion US dollars in 2008, placing the country eleventh in the<br />
world rankings.<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
24 25
Asia 67,793<br />
20.4%<br />
Oceania 1,033<br />
0.3%<br />
America 24,751<br />
6.8%<br />
Asia 26,221<br />
7.2%<br />
Oceania 1,696<br />
0.5%<br />
America 42,566<br />
12.8%<br />
<strong>Europe</strong> 209,573<br />
63.2%<br />
Africa 9,988<br />
2.7%<br />
<strong>Europe</strong> 301,515<br />
82.8%<br />
Africa 10,779<br />
3.2%<br />
Geographic origin of imports (2008)<br />
Geographic destination of Dutch exports (2008)<br />
Value in millions of euros. Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Value in millions of euros. Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Gateway to <strong>Europe</strong><br />
Due to its favourable location in relation to the <strong>Europe</strong>an hinterland<br />
Western <strong>Europe</strong>’s most<br />
significant trading partner<br />
and the presence of world-class air and sea ports, the Netherlands<br />
The role of the Netherlands as a key distribution location is also<br />
has become the key hub for distribution in <strong>Europe</strong>. It is home to<br />
indicated by the volume of imports and exports. Approximately 83%<br />
more distribution centres than anywhere else in <strong>Europe</strong> and has the<br />
of Dutch exports remain within <strong>Europe</strong>, especially Western <strong>Europe</strong>.<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
largest inland shipping fleet.<br />
Germany is easily the most significant trading partner, followed by<br />
Belgium, the United Kingdom and France. In 2008, the Netherlands<br />
exported almost as much as the twelve newest EU member states<br />
combined.<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
26 27
9 10 1<br />
10<br />
2<br />
9<br />
1<br />
3<br />
4<br />
2<br />
3<br />
8<br />
8<br />
4<br />
5<br />
5<br />
7<br />
6<br />
7<br />
6<br />
1 Animal feed and live animals 26,685<br />
2 Beverages and tobacco 3,069<br />
3 Raw materials, inedible;<br />
not including fuel 13,903<br />
4 Mineral fuels, lubricants 60,826<br />
5 Animal and vegetable<br />
oils and fats 3,360<br />
6 Chemical products 44,668<br />
7 Manufactured goods 38,970<br />
8 Machinery and trans -<br />
portation equipment 101,862<br />
9 Miscellaneous<br />
manufactured goods 37,542<br />
10 Other goods 952<br />
1 Animal feed and live animals42,095<br />
2 Beverages and tobacco 6,049<br />
3 Raw materials, inedible;<br />
not including fuel 18,257<br />
4 Mineral fuels, lubricants 57,967<br />
5 Animal and vegetable<br />
oils and fats 3,959<br />
6 Chemical products 62,045<br />
7 Manufactured goods 35,446<br />
8 Machinery and transportation<br />
equipment 106,974<br />
9 Miscellaneous<br />
manufactured goods 32,864<br />
10 Other goods 1,923<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
Composition of Dutch imports (2008)<br />
Value in millions of euros. Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Germany is a popular<br />
trading partner<br />
Of the total Dutch imports in 2008, one-fifth came from Germany,<br />
from which the Netherlands purchases large numbers of cars,<br />
iron and steel, medicines and plastics. Of the total number of<br />
cars imported into the Netherlands, 84% came from <strong>Europe</strong>, with<br />
Belgium and Germany being the main suppliers. 14% of Dutch car<br />
imports come from Asia; primarily Japan and China.<br />
Composition of Dutch exports (2008)<br />
Value in millions of euros. Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Dutch tomatoes are eaten<br />
all around the world<br />
The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricultural<br />
products worldwide, after the United States. In the agricultural<br />
sector, horticulture is by far the largest segment. Other significant<br />
Dutch export products include chemical goods, and machinery and<br />
transportation equipment. More than 60% of the machinery and<br />
transportation equipment is cleared through Dutch distribution<br />
centres and then exported to other <strong>Europe</strong>an countries.<br />
28 29<br />
Trade and foreign investment
2,791<br />
2,093<br />
1,705<br />
1,399<br />
1,236<br />
1,027<br />
851<br />
637<br />
613<br />
604<br />
543<br />
1,348<br />
1,184<br />
1,026<br />
748<br />
673<br />
630<br />
537<br />
521<br />
365<br />
United States<br />
United Kingdom<br />
France<br />
Germany<br />
Hong Kong<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Spain<br />
Belgium<br />
Switzerland<br />
Japan<br />
United States<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Hong Kong<br />
France<br />
Belgium<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Germany<br />
Spain<br />
Canada<br />
Italy<br />
Major foreign investors worldwide (2007)<br />
Value in billions of US dollars. Source: UNCTAD, 2008<br />
World’s sixth-largest<br />
foreign investor<br />
Main recipients of foreign investment (2007)<br />
Value in billions of US dollars. Source: UNCTAD, 2008<br />
Attractive for inward foreign<br />
investments<br />
Trade and foreign investment<br />
Dutch businesses are truly international. Dutch-based<br />
It is remarkable that a small country such as the Netherlands<br />
multinationals, such as Philips, Heineken, ING, AkzoNobel and<br />
attracts so much foreign investment. According to the Netherlands<br />
Ahold, have made substantial foreign investments in the past. The<br />
Foreign Investment Agency, the country was home to almost 7,800<br />
total value of Dutch investments in other countries is considerable.<br />
establishments of foreign companies, including the likes of BASF,<br />
In late 2007, investments overseas totalled in excess of 851 billion<br />
Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Nike, Sabic and Yakult. In 2007, foreign<br />
US dollars, making the Netherlands the sixth-largest foreign<br />
companies made inward direct investments to the value of 673<br />
investor.<br />
billion US dollars. As a result, the Netherlands is the world’s sixthlargest<br />
recipient of foreign investment.<br />
30 31<br />
Trade and foreign investment
84<br />
83<br />
82<br />
80<br />
80<br />
72<br />
69<br />
67<br />
67<br />
66<br />
Human capital<br />
and innovation<br />
A common feature of Dutch products is that they are<br />
highly innovative. The country generates solutions<br />
that keep rising water levels in check, create islands<br />
in the sea, and make waterways navigable. Apart<br />
from this inventive approach to water management,<br />
the Dutch also have the knowledge and the skills to<br />
develop navigation systems with worldwide appeal,<br />
such as TomTom. The proof of the innovative nature<br />
of the Dutch is witnessed by the large number of<br />
patents that are applied-for each year, and by the<br />
presence of several world-renowned knowledge and<br />
research institutes in the Netherlands.<br />
Sweden<br />
Germany<br />
Denmark<br />
Finland<br />
Austria<br />
The Netherlands<br />
United Kingdom<br />
France<br />
Belgium<br />
Ireland<br />
Education level: upper secondary education (2006)<br />
Percentage of population (25–64 years old) that have completed upper<br />
secondary education. Source: OECD, 2008<br />
Smart working population<br />
The internationally oriented working population of the Netherlands<br />
is well-educated, with many people able to speak more than one<br />
foreign language. Approximately 87% of the Dutch populace aged<br />
15-or-above speak English; 66% speak German and roughly 25%<br />
speak French. <strong>Compared</strong> to many other EU member states, lifelong<br />
learning is more prevalent in the Netherlands: adults take a relatively<br />
large number of courses to continually improve their knowledge and<br />
skill levels.<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
33
553<br />
529<br />
521<br />
514<br />
510<br />
509<br />
505<br />
504<br />
502<br />
501<br />
0.968<br />
0.968<br />
0.967<br />
0.965<br />
0.960<br />
0.958<br />
0.958<br />
0.956<br />
0.956<br />
0.955<br />
Finland<br />
Canada<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Switzerland<br />
Belgium<br />
Ireland<br />
Germany<br />
Sweden<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Denmark<br />
Iceland<br />
Norway<br />
Canada<br />
Australia<br />
Ireland<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Sweden<br />
Japan<br />
Luxembourg<br />
Switzerland<br />
Capacities of schoolchildren<br />
Human Development Index (2006)<br />
PISA score (points). OECD average = 500. Source: OECD, 2007<br />
Source: United Nations Development Programme, 2008<br />
Schoolchildren indicate<br />
potential<br />
What’s prosperity<br />
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
Dutch schoolchildren achieve good scores in the OECD Programme<br />
for International Student Assessment (PISA). The PISA survey<br />
is conducted every three years among 400,000 school pupils<br />
across 57 countries, and evaluates the capacity of 15-year-old<br />
schoolchildren to understand and solve academic problems.<br />
According to the OECD, this is an indicator of a country’s economic<br />
potential.<br />
the Netherlands enjoys the world’s sixth-highest level of prosperity.<br />
In determining ‘prosperity’, the UNDP takes into account a country’s<br />
GDP as well as other aspects of human well-being, such as life<br />
expectancy, public health, literacy levels and educational standards.<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
34 35
8.87<br />
8.67<br />
8.64<br />
8.62<br />
8.60<br />
8.45<br />
8.35<br />
8.33<br />
8.33<br />
8.30<br />
12.2<br />
12.0<br />
11.6<br />
11.4<br />
11.3<br />
9.9<br />
9.7<br />
8.8<br />
8.5<br />
6.9<br />
Denmark<br />
Sweden<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Norway<br />
United States<br />
Australia<br />
Singapore<br />
Hong Kong<br />
Canada<br />
Finland<br />
Canada<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Ireland<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Belgium<br />
United States<br />
Germany<br />
Sweden<br />
Finland<br />
Denmark<br />
E-readiness (2009)<br />
Number of entrepreneurs (2007)<br />
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009<br />
Number of entrepreneurs as a percentage of the working population.<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
Nearly everyone is online<br />
The E-readiness ranking assesses economies on their ability to<br />
absorb information and communications technology (ICT) and use<br />
it for economic and social benefit. It is a measure of the quality<br />
of a country’s ICT infrastructure and the ability of its consumers,<br />
businesses and governments to use ICT to their benefit.<br />
Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Dynamic and enterprising<br />
people<br />
The Dutch have a long tradition of enterprise, as is reflected in<br />
the large number of entrepreneurs: 12% of the Dutch working<br />
population is self-employed. The Dutch government promotes<br />
start-ups because they create economic vitality and innovation, and<br />
because they challenge existing firms, encouraging them to adapt<br />
and continue innovating.<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
36 37
2.1<br />
1.9<br />
1.8<br />
1.7<br />
1.3<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3.6<br />
3.5<br />
3<br />
4<br />
2.6<br />
2.6<br />
2.5<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
Japan<br />
Switzerland<br />
Finland<br />
United States<br />
Sweden<br />
Germany<br />
Taiwan<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Israel<br />
Denmark<br />
Sweden<br />
Finland<br />
Austria<br />
Denmark<br />
Germany<br />
France<br />
Belgium<br />
United Kingdom<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Ireland<br />
Most innovative countries (2004-2008)<br />
R&D expenditure (2007)<br />
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), 2009<br />
R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP. Source: Eurostat, 2009<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
What makes a country<br />
innovative<br />
In the EIU’s index, innovation is defined as the application of<br />
knowledge in a novel way, primarily for economic benefit. The index<br />
measures the innovative performance of companies and combines<br />
the result with the innovation environment created by governments.<br />
The Netherlands has climbed from ninth position in the 2002-2006<br />
rankings, to eighth place in the current rankings.<br />
Dutch sector structure<br />
At 1.7% of GDP, R&D expenditure in the Netherlands might seem<br />
modest from an international perspective. However, this can be<br />
explained by the Dutch sector structure: the services sector, which<br />
‘naturally’ has a low R&D intensity, makes up a relatively large share<br />
of the Dutch economy.<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
38 39
4,581<br />
4,581<br />
2,350<br />
2,350<br />
703<br />
703<br />
1,600<br />
1,600<br />
459<br />
459<br />
1,505<br />
1,505<br />
400<br />
1,500<br />
400<br />
1,500<br />
373<br />
1,460<br />
373<br />
1,460<br />
310<br />
2,600<br />
310<br />
2,600<br />
4<br />
241 920<br />
241 920<br />
4,651<br />
164 910<br />
164 910<br />
144<br />
820<br />
144<br />
125 878 600 820<br />
125<br />
809<br />
878<br />
73<br />
600<br />
809<br />
73<br />
680<br />
680 678<br />
678<br />
104<br />
500<br />
104<br />
83<br />
500<br />
83 78<br />
78 78<br />
309<br />
78<br />
309<br />
45<br />
245<br />
45 35<br />
245 240 347<br />
35 33<br />
240 347<br />
33 31<br />
31 30<br />
30<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
Philips<br />
ASML<br />
Schering-Plough<br />
Shell<br />
NXP<br />
DSM<br />
Océ<br />
Unilever<br />
Top 10 innovative Dutch businesses (2008)<br />
KPN/Getronics<br />
Based on R&D expenditure. Source: Technisch Weekblad, 2009<br />
Expenditure in millions<br />
of euros<br />
Personnel in FTE<br />
Knowledge is firmly-rooted<br />
in the Netherlands<br />
The economy of the Netherlands has a broad and stable base.<br />
Leading multinationals with worldwide operations, such as DSM,<br />
Philips, Shell and Unilever, have their roots in the Netherlands.<br />
Dutch industry includes a large number of innovative and<br />
knowledge-intensive companies that carry out high levels of R&D<br />
(including the aforementioned multinationals) and that enjoy a<br />
sound reputation the world over.<br />
Thales<br />
TNO<br />
Deltares<br />
FOM<br />
TNO Organisation for Applied<br />
Scientific Research<br />
Deltares Institute for Delta<br />
Technology<br />
FOM Foundation for<br />
Fundamental Research on<br />
Matter<br />
ECN Energy Research Centre<br />
of the Netherlands<br />
ECN<br />
NLR<br />
MESA+<br />
MARIN<br />
NLR National Aerospace<br />
Laboratory<br />
MESA+ Nanotechnology<br />
research institute<br />
MARIN Research institute in<br />
hydrodynamics and nautical<br />
research<br />
Top 10 knowledge and research institutes (2008)<br />
Based on R&D expenditure. Source: Technisch Weekblad, 2009<br />
Typical public-private<br />
innovation<br />
Budget in millions<br />
of euros<br />
Personnel in FTE<br />
ITC<br />
CTIT<br />
DIMES<br />
ITC International Institute for<br />
Geo-Information Science and<br />
Earth Observation<br />
CTIT Centre for Telematics<br />
and Information Technology<br />
DIMES Delft Institute<br />
of Microsystems and<br />
Nanoelectronics<br />
The Netherlands is home to a significant number of renowned knowledge<br />
and research institutes, such as TNO and ECN. These institutes<br />
play an important role in the government-initiated public-private<br />
innovation programmes. The knowledge generated by TNO had been<br />
converted into economic and societal value in the shape of 30 new<br />
high-tech, innovative and independent SMEs by the beginning of 2009.<br />
40 41<br />
Human capital and innovation
1.49<br />
1.44<br />
1.44<br />
1.37<br />
1.12<br />
1.01<br />
1.01<br />
Public sector<br />
Public and private<br />
sector<br />
0.95<br />
0.93<br />
0.91<br />
1.41<br />
1.37<br />
1.34<br />
1.33<br />
1.24<br />
1.22<br />
1.22<br />
1.20<br />
1.20<br />
1.17<br />
0.69<br />
0.73<br />
0.55<br />
0.42<br />
0.43<br />
0.36<br />
0.37<br />
0.44<br />
0.37<br />
0.24<br />
United Kingdom<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Switzerland<br />
United States<br />
Canada<br />
Ireland<br />
Austria<br />
Denmark<br />
Belgium<br />
Sweden<br />
Switzerland<br />
United States<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Denmark<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Canada<br />
Norway<br />
Belgium<br />
Sweden<br />
Ireland<br />
Academic publications per researcher (FTE) (2008)<br />
Citation impact (2003-2006)<br />
Source: NOWT - CWTS/Thomson Scientific Web of Science, 2008<br />
Source: NOWT – CWTS/Thomson Scientific Web of Science, 2008<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
Productive researchers<br />
Dutch researchers are among the most productive in the world.<br />
The Netherlands ties with Switzerland for the second-highest total<br />
in the world with regard to the number of articles per researcher<br />
(FTE) in the public and semi-public sectors. This significant number<br />
of articles accounts for 2.6% of the total number of academic<br />
publications worldwide.<br />
Dutch scientists frequently<br />
cited<br />
The citation impact score is a key indicator of academic quality,<br />
because this score denotes references that scientists make to each<br />
other, therefore indicating an appreciation for each other’s work.<br />
The global average citation impact score is ‘1’. Dutch scientists are<br />
cited above the global average and claim third place in the world.<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
42 43
Nick Franken<br />
229.2<br />
Infrastructure<br />
152.7<br />
141.7<br />
141.2<br />
133<br />
109.3<br />
99.9<br />
89.7<br />
76.3<br />
74.6<br />
The Netherlands has two world-class<br />
logistics hubs. These are supported<br />
by world-class connections such as<br />
the Betuwe rail link, as well as a high<br />
penetration of broadband Internet.<br />
This provides the country with a<br />
sound physical infrastructure and<br />
consequently enables it to be a top<br />
performer in the area of logistics.<br />
Japan<br />
Germany<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Sweden<br />
South Korea<br />
United States<br />
Finland<br />
France<br />
Denmark<br />
Austria<br />
Triadic patent applications (2005) Number of triadic patent<br />
applications per million people in the working population.<br />
Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Proof of refreshing business<br />
Human capital and innovation<br />
Triadic patents are those that are registered with the American,<br />
Japanese and <strong>Europe</strong>an patent offices. The Netherlands is well<br />
represented in this area and is ranked third in the world. Patents are<br />
in many cases the result of R&D activities which, if successful, can<br />
lead to greater labour productivity and an advantage over foreign<br />
competitors. The good score makes Dutch industry an attractive<br />
potential partner - one that is innovative, inviting and refreshing.<br />
44 45
9.40<br />
9.15<br />
9.04<br />
9.02<br />
8.94<br />
8.85<br />
8.85<br />
8.71<br />
8.55<br />
8.28<br />
4.19<br />
4.18<br />
4.10<br />
4.08<br />
4.06<br />
4.02<br />
4.02<br />
4.00<br />
3.99<br />
3.92<br />
Finland<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Denmark<br />
Norway<br />
Singapore<br />
Germany<br />
Sweden<br />
Hong Kong<br />
Canada<br />
Switzerland<br />
Singapore<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Germany<br />
Sweden<br />
Austria<br />
Japan<br />
Switzerland<br />
Hong Kong<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Canada<br />
Quality of water transportation (2009)<br />
Logistics performance index (2007)<br />
Quality of water transportation (harbours, canals, etc.).<br />
Source: World Bank, 2008<br />
Infrastructure<br />
Source: IMD Business School, 2009<br />
Navigable inland waterways<br />
In addition to world-class main ports, the Netherlands has an<br />
extensive network of inland waterways with excellent connections to<br />
those in the rest of <strong>Europe</strong>. After Finland, the Netherlands has the<br />
best water transport infrastructure in the world. The country also<br />
has an extensive road transport network and is third in the world<br />
rankings for road network density. The Dutch energy infrastructure<br />
scores well also, taking seventh place overall.<br />
In the ‘heart’ of <strong>Europe</strong><br />
The Netherlands’ strong position in terms of logistics is due to:<br />
the favourable geographical location of the country in the heart of<br />
<strong>Europe</strong>; a sound infrastructure that includes the Port of Rotterdam,<br />
the Port of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; and a<br />
sophisticated logistics sector. This is reflected in the World Bank<br />
Logistics Performance Index 2007, where the Netherlands is ranked<br />
second, behind Singapore.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
46 47
60,678<br />
53,234<br />
47,392<br />
66,910<br />
50,846<br />
Cargo transport<br />
x 1,000 tonnes<br />
Passenger<br />
transport x 1,000<br />
passengers<br />
421.1<br />
Transhipment<br />
(in millions of tonnes)<br />
Containers<br />
(in 1000 TEU’s)<br />
2,039<br />
2,021<br />
1,568<br />
1,401<br />
795<br />
10,784<br />
189.5<br />
8,663 140.4<br />
9,737<br />
329<br />
Paris Charles<br />
de Gaulle<br />
Frankfurt<br />
Amsterdam<br />
Airport Schiphol<br />
London Heathrow<br />
Madrid<br />
Luxembourg<br />
101<br />
Rotterdam<br />
Antwerp<br />
Hamburg<br />
<strong>Europe</strong>an airport traffic and transport (2008)<br />
Transhipment of goods (2008)<br />
Traffic and transport figures for <strong>Europe</strong>’s largest airports.<br />
Source: Port of Rotterdam, 2009<br />
Source: Schiphol Group, 2009<br />
Third-largest airport in <strong>Europe</strong><br />
Largest port in <strong>Europe</strong><br />
In 2008, goods transhipment in the Port of Rotterdam increased to<br />
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the third-largest cargo and passenger<br />
the record level of 421 million tonnes – an increase of 2.9% over<br />
airport in <strong>Europe</strong>. More than 47 million passengers passed through<br />
2007. Of course, the down-turn in world trade has had an effect on<br />
the airport in 2008. It is also renowned for its outstanding baggage<br />
the port’s numbers in 2009. However, an important milestone in<br />
handling system: a good example of innovation in logistics. The<br />
2008 was the start of construction of the ‘Maasvlakte 2’; an historic<br />
Infrastructure<br />
airport has won more than 140 national and international awards<br />
since 1980. Since 2002, Schiphol has played host to a museum, the<br />
first of its kind in the world, featuring paintings by old masters such<br />
as Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt.<br />
land-reclamation project to expand the Port of Rotterdam. This will<br />
give Rotterdam an excellent springboard for the future.<br />
Infrastructure<br />
48<br />
49
37.2<br />
35.8<br />
32.0<br />
32.0<br />
30.7<br />
29.0<br />
28.5<br />
28.1<br />
25.8<br />
23.6<br />
Infrastructure<br />
50<br />
Denmark<br />
The Netherlands<br />
South Korea<br />
Sweden<br />
Finland<br />
Canada<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Belgium<br />
United States<br />
Japan<br />
Number of broadband connections (2008)<br />
Number of broadband connections per 100 inhabitants. Source: OECD, 2009<br />
Leading the field in broadband<br />
In 2008, the number of broadband connections per 100 inhabitants<br />
was greater in the Netherlands than in any other country except<br />
Denmark. Almost every household in the Netherlands can be reached<br />
by a cable or DSL connection. With the world’s largest digital data<br />
distributor - the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) - the<br />
Netherlands also boasts an outstanding data connection network.<br />
This is essential for businesses such as banks and insurers, as well as<br />
Internet, computer and advertising companies.<br />
Government<br />
The Binnenhof (‘inner court’;<br />
a group of buildings in The<br />
Hague) is the heart of the Dutch<br />
government, which enjoys a<br />
good international reputation<br />
and functions effectively. The<br />
Netherlands is one of the most<br />
stable nations in the world and<br />
has a competitive fiscal climate.<br />
Apart from recent extra stimulus<br />
expenditure, government<br />
finances are balanced and healthy.
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
9.3<br />
9.3<br />
9.3<br />
9.2<br />
9.0<br />
9.0<br />
8.9<br />
8.9<br />
8.7<br />
8.7<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
Finland<br />
Denmark<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Canada<br />
Sweden<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Australia<br />
Belgium<br />
Austria<br />
United States<br />
Denmark<br />
New Zealand<br />
Sweden<br />
Singapore<br />
Finland<br />
Switzerland<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Iceland<br />
Australia<br />
Canada<br />
Government<br />
Government effectiveness (2002-2006)<br />
Source: Governance Matters, World Bank 2007<br />
Easier decision-making<br />
for companies<br />
Government effectiveness encapsulates: the perceptions of the<br />
quality of public services; the quality of the civil service and its<br />
degree of independence from political pressure; the quality of<br />
policy formulation and implementation; and the credibility of<br />
the government’s commitment to such policies. According to the<br />
World Bank, the government of the Netherlands is one of the most<br />
effective in the world. The effective Dutch government makes it<br />
easier for companies to make medium and long-term decisions.<br />
Corruption perception index (2008)<br />
Source: Transparency International, 2008<br />
Low level of corruption<br />
According to the Transparency International corruption perception<br />
index, levels of corruption and nepotism in the Netherlands are<br />
among the lowest anywhere in the world. The aspects of corruption<br />
examined included the degree to which people in authority,<br />
such as customs officers, police officers, politicians, judges and<br />
other officials misuse their position for personal gain, financial or<br />
otherwise.<br />
52 53<br />
Government
1<br />
2<br />
13<br />
13<br />
13<br />
3<br />
4<br />
10<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
7<br />
6<br />
6<br />
8<br />
4<br />
9<br />
3<br />
10<br />
2<br />
Denmark<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Ireland<br />
Finland<br />
Sweden<br />
Belgium<br />
Estonia<br />
Germany<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Austria<br />
Australia<br />
Canada<br />
Belgium<br />
Denmark<br />
United States<br />
France<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Ireland<br />
Italy<br />
United Kingdom<br />
EU position in Doing Business (2009)<br />
Source: World Bank, 2009<br />
Good cross-border trade<br />
The Netherlands ranks 26 th globally in Doing Business, the annual<br />
survey carried out by the World Bank into how easy it is to do<br />
business in a country. The Netherlands ranks ninth among EU<br />
member states. The Netherlands scores relatively - well when it<br />
comes to cross-border trade.<br />
Starting up a new business (2007)<br />
Number of days required to start up a new business.<br />
Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2009<br />
Starting up your own company<br />
You can start up a new business in the Netherlands in less than ten<br />
days. The Dutch score well here in comparison with other nations.<br />
The Netherlands ties with Belgium, Denmark and France for first<br />
position in the EU rankings.<br />
Government<br />
Government<br />
54 55
58.2<br />
62.5<br />
65.9<br />
68.1<br />
69.7<br />
25<br />
25<br />
25.5<br />
26<br />
26.3<br />
28<br />
28.59<br />
32.92<br />
33.33<br />
33.3<br />
33.4<br />
38.0<br />
43.2 52.0<br />
12.5<br />
Denmark<br />
Finland<br />
Sweden<br />
Ireland<br />
United Kingdom<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Austria<br />
Germany<br />
France<br />
Euro area<br />
Ireland<br />
Austria<br />
Denmark<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Finland<br />
Sweden<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Luxembourg<br />
Germany<br />
France<br />
National debt (2008) National debt as a percentage of GDP.<br />
Corporate tax rate on profit (2009)<br />
Source: Eurostat, 2009<br />
Source: IMD Business School, 2009<br />
Solid public finances<br />
Tax rate below EU average<br />
In the years prior to the economic crisis, the Netherlands was able<br />
The corporate income tax rate in the Netherlands is 25.5% (for<br />
to drastically reduce its national debt. In 2008, the national budget<br />
taxable profits exceeding EUR 200,000), which is well below the<br />
showed a surplus for the third year in a row. The Dutch government<br />
EU national average. Dividend tax has been reduced from 25% to<br />
debt as a percentage of GDP for 2008 was more than 58% and<br />
15%. Furthermore, a patent box with a 10% tax rate on income from<br />
therefore well within the EU norm of 60%. The effect of the crisis on<br />
innovations has been introduced. Other features of the Dutch tax<br />
Government<br />
the national debt is difficult to predict, but solid public finances still<br />
have priority.<br />
system include a wide tax treaty network and a 30% tax-break for<br />
highly qualified foreign employees.<br />
Government<br />
56 57
Explanatory notes<br />
This publication is intended to provide a concise and<br />
representative picture of the state of the Dutch economy.<br />
Every attempt has been made to select indicators carefully<br />
and judiciously from internationally renowned and reliable<br />
sources. In the case of most of the indicators, the Dutch<br />
economy has been compared with surrounding countries,<br />
many of which are similar in terms of their economic<br />
structures. However, it should be pointed out that the<br />
presence of Belgians and Germans in the border regions of<br />
Luxembourg serves to push up that country’s earning level<br />
by a considerable degree, as their income counts towards the<br />
gross domestic product of Luxembourg. The actual income<br />
enjoyed by Luxembourgers is consequently lower and therefore<br />
Luxembourg has not been included in the GDP indicators.<br />
Comparisons have also been made in a number of cases with<br />
non-<strong>Europe</strong>an countries, such as with various worldwide<br />
rankings.<br />
Sources<br />
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol<br />
www.schipholgroup.nl<br />
The Conference Board<br />
www.conference-board.org/<br />
economics<br />
Economist Intelligence Unit<br />
www.eiu.com<br />
<strong>Europe</strong>an Commission<br />
www.ec.europa.eu<br />
Eurostat<br />
www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu<br />
Havenbedrijf Rotterdam N.V.<br />
www.portofrotterdam.com<br />
IMD Business School<br />
www.imd.ch<br />
IMF<br />
www.imf.org<br />
Dutch Ministry of Economic<br />
Affairs, Erken and Donselaar<br />
(2005)<br />
www.ez.nl<br />
Dutch Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs<br />
www.minbuza.nl<br />
Netherlands Bureau for<br />
Economic Policy Analysis<br />
www.cpb.nl<br />
The Netherlands Observatory of<br />
Science and Technology<br />
www.nowt.nl<br />
The Netherlands Organisation<br />
for Applied Scientific Research<br />
www.tno.nl<br />
OECD<br />
www.oecd.org<br />
Social and Cultural Planning<br />
Office of the Netherlands<br />
www.scp.nl<br />
Statistics Netherlands<br />
www.cbs.nl<br />
Technisch Weekblad<br />
www.technischweekblad.nl<br />
Transparency International<br />
www.transparency.org<br />
UNCTAD<br />
www.unctad.org<br />
United Nations<br />
www.comtrade.un.org<br />
United Nations Development<br />
Programme<br />
www.hdr.undp.org<br />
World Bank<br />
www.Worldbank.org<br />
World Trade Organization<br />
www.wto.org<br />
58 59
Other sources of information<br />
More detailed information is available on the websites below,<br />
nearly all of which include sections in English.<br />
General information about the Netherlands<br />
www.minbuza.nl<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
www.cbs.nl<br />
Statistics Netherlands<br />
Information regarding the labour market and higher education<br />
www.cbs.nl<br />
Statistics Netherlands<br />
www.cpb.nl<br />
www.employment.gov.nl<br />
www.vsnu.nl<br />
www.nuffic.nl<br />
Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy<br />
Analysis<br />
Ministry of Social Affairs and<br />
Employment<br />
Association of Universities in the<br />
Netherlands<br />
Netherlands Organization for<br />
International Cooperation in Higher<br />
Education<br />
Information regarding enterprise (including internationally),<br />
investing and partnership in the Netherlands<br />
www.cbs.nl<br />
Statistics Netherlands<br />
www.ez.nl<br />
www.evd.nl<br />
www.hollandtrade.com<br />
www.minfin.nl<br />
www.kvk.nl<br />
www.minlnv.nl<br />
www.nfia.nl<br />
Ministry of Economic Affairs<br />
EVD - Agency for International Business<br />
and Cooperation<br />
EVD - Agency for International Business<br />
and Cooperation<br />
Ministry of Finance<br />
Chambers of Commerce<br />
Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and<br />
Food Quality<br />
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency<br />
Information regarding innovation<br />
www.boip.int<br />
Benelux Office for Intellectual Property<br />
www.cbs.nl<br />
Statistics Netherlands<br />
www.ez.nl<br />
www.innovatieplatform.nl<br />
www.octrooicentrum.nl<br />
www.senternovem.nl<br />
www.twanetwerk.nl<br />
Ministry of Economic Affairs<br />
Platform with Key Players in the<br />
Knowledge Economy<br />
Netherlands Patent Office<br />
SenterNovem - Agency for Sustainability<br />
and Innovation<br />
Trendwatchers for Innovation and<br />
Technology (Dutch only)<br />
60 61
62 63