Holland Compared

Holland Compared 

Facts and figures, Summer 2015

Source: Rijkswaterstaat

GRONINGEN 

Groningen 

Leeuwarden 

FRIESLAND 

Assen 

NORTH SEA 

Haarlem 

NOORD- 

HOLLAND 

Amsterdam 

Lelystad 

FLEVOLAND 

Zwolle 

DRENTHE 

OVERIJSSEL 

's-Gravenhage (The Hague) 

ZUID- 

HOLLAND 

Rotterdam 

Utrecht 

UTRECHT 

GELDERLAND 

Arnhem 

Middelburg 

ZEELAND 

Breda 

's-Hertogenbosch 

NOORD-BRABANT 

Eindhoven 

GERMANY 

BELGIUM 

LIMBURG 

Maastricht 

UK 

BELGIUM 

GERMANY 

FRANCE 

2

Official name 

Form of government 

Head of State 

Capital 

Seat of government 

Administrative structure 

Surface area 

Location 

Number of inhabitants 

Number of inhabitants per km 2 

Monetary unit 

Languages 

Kingdom of the Netherlands 

Constitutional monarchy, 

parliamentary democracy 

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of 

the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau 

Amsterdam 

The Hague 

Twelve provinces and the overseas 

territories of Aruba, Curacao and 

St. Martin. The overseas islands of Bonaire, 

Saba and St. Eustatius, all three of which 

are situated in the Caribbean, are ‘special 

municipalities of the Netherlands’ 

33,800 km 2 

Western Europe, by the North Sea, 

bordering Belgium and Germany 

16,915,195 (April 2015) 

500 (April 2015) 

Euro 

Dutch, Frisian 

3

Source: Netherlands Enterprise Agency 

4

Content 

Foreword 

Page 

6 

1. 

General Information 

8 

2. 

Macro Indicators 

14 

3. 

Trade and Foreign Investment 

24 

4. 

Holland Digital Gateway 

36 

5. 

Top Sectors in Focus 

46 

6. 

Human Capital and Innovation 

66 

7. 

Infrastructure 

80 

8. 

Government 

86 

5

Foreword 

Often referred to as 

Holland, the Netherlands 

has for centuries had 

one of the world’s most 

open economies. 

The Dutch engage in 

all forms of business all 

around the globe. 

Like many others, the Dutch economy was hard hit by the global 

economic crisis that began in the autumn of 2008. Nevertheless it has 

stayed relatively buoyant. The Netherlands continues to occupy a 

prominent position in world trade: in 2014, the country was the world’s 

fifth-largest exporter of goods. 

According to the World Economic Forum, the Netherlands currently has 

the eighth-best business climate in the world. Dutch conditions for 

investment and for setting up a business are also ranked highly by other 

institutes, like the IMD World Competitiveness Center. 

These high rankings are due to a number of factors. The Netherlands is 

widely considered a pleasant place to live, and the high productivity of 

Dutch workers has given it one of the highest per capita incomes of any 

country in the European Union. 

6

The Netherlands has a great deal to offer the business community, and to 

foreign companies in particular. The country’s geographical location on 

the European continent is outstanding, and the Dutch have an open 

outlook and an international orientation. The workforce is well-educated 

and flexible – people often speak several languages – and the country has 

an excellent physical infrastructure. The Netherlands’ highly-developed IT 

network is another reason why it is such an attractive location for 

businesses: the Dutch have the second-highest number of broadband 

connections per head of population in the world. The Netherlands also 

excels in the use of IT by the general population, the business sector and 

government. This combination of factors may explain why the nation is the 

seventh-largest recipient of foreign investment in Europe. Yet despite all 

these factors contributing to their success, the Dutch refuse to allow 

themselves to become complacent. The government is constantly working 

to adapt and improve the Dutch business climate so as to meet the 

challenges of the future. 

This publication compares the Netherlands’ performance in these and 

other economic areas to that of other EU and OECD countries. If after 

reading this publication you still have questions about the quality of life or 

the business environment in the Netherlands, the team at the 

Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (info@nfia.nl) will be glad to 

answer them. 

Renée Jones-Bos 

Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

7

Source: Energising the Future

1. General 

Information 

The Netherlands is traditionally the land of 

windmills, cheese and tulips, but isn’t this 

image something of a cliché nowadays? 

Well, not really. Centuries of expertise in land 

drainage (using the famous windmills) have 

made the Netherlands world-renowned for its 

water management skills. So what about the 

cheese and the tulips? The answer is that the 

Netherlands is also one of the largest 

exporters of agri-food and horticultural 

products in the world. 

9

Brake on 

population growth 

Population by age (2014) 

4 

4 

5 

5 

1 

1 

3 

3 

2 

1. 1. 0-19 22.9% 2. 2. 20-39 24.5% 3. 40-64 23.3% 4. 65-79 13.1% 5. Older than 79 4.3% 

Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2014. 

In total 16.9 million people live on the relatively small piece of land that 

is the Netherlands, which makes the country one of the most densely 

populated in the world. However, population growth is slowing down in 

the Netherlands, as it is in many other Western countries. This slowdown, 

together with an increasingly healthy generation aged 65 and above, 

has resulted in an ageing population. 

10 General information

Attractive 

place to live 

Quality of life (2014) 

Switzerland 9.73 

Austria 9.55 

Norway 9.47 

Sweden 9.44 

Germany 9.38 

Netherlands 9.21 

Denmark 9.13 

New Zealand 9.13 

Australia 9.11 

Canada 9.04 

Source: IMD, 2014. 

Whether visiting for 

7business 7,5 

or pleasure, 

8,0 

the 

8,5 

Netherlands 

9,0 

is 

9,5 

home to 

10a 

highly pleasant living environment. It currently ranks sixth worldwide in 

terms of quality of life. Leisure amenities are within easy reach and Dutch 

cities have much to offer, such as the centuries-old architecture of 

Amsterdam, Delft, Groningen and Leiden as well as cultural activities and 

world-famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Hermitage 

Amsterdam. Housing is also fairly affordable compared to other countries, 

according to IMD. In addition to the various international schools in the 

Netherlands, a large and growing number of schools (119 in 2013) teach in 

two languages (mostly Dutch and English). Finally, the Dutch healthcare 

system officially ranks among the world’s best. According to the Commonwealth 

Fund, the Dutch healthcare system is the best in the world in terms 

of quality, access, efficiency, funding and the healthy lives, on average, of 

the general population. 

General information 11

One of the most 

competitive economies 

Global Competitiveness Index (2014-2015) 

Switzerland 

Singapore 

United States 

Finland 

Germany 

Japan 

Hong Kong, China 

Netherlands 

United Kingdom 

Sweden 

5.7 

5.65 

5.54 

5.5 

5.49 

5.47 

5.46 

5.45 

5.41 

5.41 

Source: World Economic Forum, 2014. 

5 5,1 5,2 5,3 5,4 5,5 5,6 

According to a number of international league tables published by 

renowned institutes such as IMD and the World Economic Forum, the 

Netherlands is among the world leaders when it comes to favourable 

business climate. There are numerous factors that form the basis for the 

favourable position that the Netherlands enjoys, including its open and 

international outlook, its strategic location in Europe, its well-educated, 

multilingual and flexible workforce, and the high level of labour productivity. 

The competitive fiscal climate, top-level physical and technological 

infrastructure and quality of life are key contributors to the country’s 

success. The Netherlands is thus an attractive location for companies 

seeking a European base and for those wishing to invest. 

12 General information

Source: DSM N.V.

Source: Hannah Anthonysz/Rotterdam Image Bank

2. Macro Indicators 

The impact of the downturn in world trade 

as a result of the global economic crisis was 

immediately tangible in the Netherlands with 

its buoyant and open economy. However, the 

Netherlands continues to perform well on 

many fronts. For example, the Netherlands 

has one of the highest incomes per capita in 

the EU, Rotterdam is still Europe’s largest 

port and the Netherland’s high-quality ICT 

infrastructure ensures that the country 

remains the gateway to Europe. 

15

Sixth-largest 

EU economy 

GDP in the EU (2014) 

Germany 2,903,790 

United Kingdom 2,217,872 

France 2,142,022 

Italy 1,616,047 

Spain 1,058,469 

Netherlands 653,476 

Sweden 436,342 

Poland 412,189 

Belgium 402,270 

Austria 328,996 

Millions of euros. 

Source: Eurostat, 2015. 

0 500.000 1.000.000 1.500.000 2.000.000 2.500.000 3.000.000 

In terms of surface area and population size, the Netherlands is not a 

particularly large country and ranks 133rd and 64st worldwide. In stark 

contrast, the country’s economic performance ranks much higher. The size 

of the economy, or the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is about 615 billion 

euros in 2014. The Netherlands has the seventeenth-largest economy in 

the world and the sixth-largest in the European Union. 

16 Macro indicators

High average 

income 

GDP per capita (2013) 

Luxembourg 

90,457 

Switzerland 

United States* 

Austria 

Sweden 

Netherlands 

Ireland 

Denmark 

Germany 

54,133 

51,689 

44,176 

43,497 

43,416 

42,941 

42,777 

42,549 

EU-28 34,256 

*= 2012 

US dollars, corrected for Purchasing Power Parity. 

Source: OECD, 2014. 

0 20.000 40.000 60.000 80.000 83.802 

The Netherlands is one of the wealthiest nations in the European Union. 

The Netherlands also performs well compared to similar economies 

outside the European Union, such as that of the United States. The high 

average income in the Netherlands is the result of high productivity and a 

high level of labour participation. 

Macro indicators 17

High productivity 

per hour 

GDP per hour, corrected for purchasing power parity (2013) 

United States 

Belgium 

Netherlands 

France 

67 

61 

60 

59 

Germany 

Denmark 

Ireland 

Austria 

Sweden 

57 

56 

56 

55 

55 

Switzerland 

50 

US dollars. 

Source: The Conference Board and Groningen Growth and Development 

Centre, 2014. 

30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 

The working population in the Netherlands is highly educated, employees 

have an international outlook, and many speak more than one foreign 

language. This high level of education and the strong economic structure 

(enabled by the physical and the knowledge infrastructure, for example) 

allow employees to be productive. Labour productivity per hour is among 

the highest in the world. It is noteworthy that the Netherlands has 

combined this high level of productivity with a high level of labour 

participation, also among semi-skilled and unskilled workers. 

18 Macro indicators

Prosperous, sustainable 

and enterprising 

Growth in GDP in % (2006-2013) 

Switzerland 

2.0 

Sweden 

1.8 

Germany 

Austria 

United States 

1.3 

1.4 

1.4 

Belgium 

1.0 

Netherlands 

France 

Finland 

Euro area 

0,7 

0.7 

0.7 

0.6 


0 0,5 1,0 

1.5 2.0 

Compared to many other EU Member States, the Netherlands has a highly 

open economy, which is why the country was hit hard by the sharp 

downturn in world trade in 2008 and 2009. When considered over a longer 

period of time, the Netherlands shows reasonable economic growth 

compared to other prosperous EU Member States and the US. This is a 

good performance for a highly developed economy with a high standard of 

living (see also GDP per capita). The structural reforms that have been 

implemented in areas such as the labour market and the social security 

system, have created conditions for potentially healthy economic growth 

that offers room for investments in knowledge and innovation, for 

example, so that the Netherlands will remain a prosperous, sustainable 

and enterprising nation. 

Macro indicators 19

Moderate 

inflation 

Average annual inflation (2006-2013) 


1.5 

Ireland 1.1.6 

Sweden 1.7 

1.6 

France 2.0 

1.8 

Germany 1.8 2.1 


Euro area 2.2 

Denmark 2.3 

Austria 2.4 

1.9 

2.0 

2.0 

2.2 

Belgium 2.32.6 

Average annual price increases as a percentage. 


The Netherlands enjoys a good reputation in monetary terms. Long 

before the introduction of the euro, price rises in the Netherlands were 

at a moderate level, thanks to sound monetary policies on the part of DNB 

(the Dutch central bank). The product and labour markets also operate 

relatively well, which helps to moderate price increases. According to the 

IMD (2014), the Netherlands ranks third worldwide in the fight against 

unfair competition. 

20 Macro indicators

High labour 

participation rate 

Employment rates (2014) 

Switzerland 

Sweden 

Germany 

Netherlands 

Denmark 

Austria 


Finland 

United States 

OECD-countries 

75.879.7 

74.9 75.7 

72.2 74.0 

71.6 73.9 

70.6 73.6 

70.4 72.6 

68.4 72.0 

67.6 68.7 

. 

68,5 67.5 

65.7 66.3 


0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 75,8 

In the last two decades, the level of employment in the Netherlands has 

increased by more than 30%. The strong growth in jobs is largely due to 

the structural economic reforms that have been implemented. The lack of 

unrest in the labour market - there are relatively few strikes in the 

Netherlands - is also a contributory factor as regards maintaining a 

favourable business climate. Thanks to the firm growth in employment, a 

large proportion of the potential working population is in work. Indeed, 

the proportion is considerably greater than the average of the OECD 

countries. 

Macro indicators 21

Many part-time 

employees 

Part-time work (2013) 



Ireland 25.1 

United Kingdom 23.9 

Germany 22.8 

Denmark 19.8 

Belgium 19.8 

Austria 19.3 

Luxembourg 14.5 

France 14.3 

Measured as a percentage of employment as a whole. 


0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 37,1 

A relatively high proportion of Dutch people work part-time. This is often 

a deliberate decision, allowing employees to combine work with caring for 

their family. From an international perspective, the number of people - and 

particularly women - in the Netherlands who work part-time is high: nearly 

75% of all Dutch part-time workers are women. Nevertheless, the average 

working week for full-time employees is more or less on a par with most 

other Eurozone countries. The same applies to the number of hours 

worked in a year by full-time employees. 

22 Macro indicators

Relatively low 

unemployment 

Average unemployment (2006-2013) 

Switzerland 

Netherlands 

3.8 

4.3 

4.4 4.3 

Austria 

4.5 

4.8 

Luxembourg 

4.9 

5.5 

Denmark 


5.8 

5.9 

6.96.3 

United States 

7.3 

7.1 

Germany 

7.3 

7.8 

Sweden 

7.5 

8.3 

Euro area 

8.4 

9.6 

Measured as a percentage of the working population. 


0 2 4 6 8 

The rate of unemployment in the Netherlands is one of the lowest in 

Europe. From 2006 to 2013, an average of 4.4% of the potential working 

population was unemployed, while the corresponding rate in the euro 

countries was 9.6%. As a result of the crisis the unemployment in the 

Netherlands increased. In February 2015 it amounted to 7.1% (Eurostat, 

2015), compared to an average of 11.3% in the euro countries. Moreover, 

youth unemployment is also still low in the Netherlands. In February 2015, 

the portion of Holland’s potential working population aged under-25 that 

was unemployed amounted to 11.0%. In the EU-28, the average was 21.1%. 

Macro indicators 23

Source: Netherlands Enterprise Agency

3. Trade and 

Foreign Investment 

The Netherlands plays a prominent role in the 

world economy due to its exports, imports, 

attracting foreign investors, and investments 

abroad. Its favourable location in relation to the 

European hinterland and its world-class 

infrastructure – such as the Port of Rotterdam 

and Schiphol Airport – have helped the 

Netherlands become an important distribution 

centre. 

25

Open 

economy 

Dutch exports of goods and services 

1970 44.8 

1975 49.8 

1980 52.3 

1985 62.1 

1995 56.1 

2000 70.1 

2005 69.6 

2014 83.2 

Measured as a percentage of GDP. 

Source: CPB, 2015. 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 72,6 

The Netherlands has traditionally always had an open economy and the 

level of trade with other countries is very significant. According to 

research carried out by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy 

Analysis, the Netherlands earns some 33% of its income from the export of 

goods and services. In 2014, the value of exports was 83.2% of the 

Netherlands’ GDP. 

26 Trade and foreign investment

World’s fifth-largest 

exporter of goods 

Top 10 exporters of goods (2013) 

Millions of US dollars Share in world exports (%) 

China 2,210,523 

United States 

Germany 

Japan 

Netherlands 

France 

South Korea 


Russian 

Federation 

Italy 

715,097 

4.0 

664,178 

3.7 

566,879 

3.2 

559,619 

3.1 

548,967 

3.1 

526,392 

2.9 

517,659 

2.9 

12.3 

1,578,001 

8.8 

1,458,647 

8.1 

Source: World Trade Organisation, 2014 

As the fifth-largest exporter of goods in the world, the Netherlands 

occupies a prominent position when it comes to world trade. In 2013, the 

Netherlands exported goods worth a total of almost 664 billion US dollars, 

which is about 3.7% of the world’s total exports. The Netherlands is also a 

significant exporter of commercial services: exports of commercial 

services amounted to 142 billion US dollars (110 billion euros) in 2013, 

which placed the country ninth in the world rankings. 

Trade and foreign investment 27

Strong in agri-food 

production 

Top 5 exporters of agricultural products (2013) 

Millions of US dollars Share in world imports (%) 

United States 175,567 

10.4 

Netherlands 

111,458 

6.2 

Germany 

99,232 

5.5 

Brazil 

5.2 

90,664 

France 

82,227 

4.7 

Source: World Trade Organisation, 2013. 

The Netherlands is the world’s second-largest exporter of agri-food 

products. For decades, the Dutch agriculture sector has succeeded in 

maintaining its lead over international competitors through continual 

investment in innovation in agri-food value chains. The Netherlands is a 

hotbed of R&D in the area of agri-food, due largely to the excellent 

knowledge infrastructure and close collaborations between knowledge 

institutes, government and the private sector, the so-called “golden 

triangle”. Key R&D centres include Wageningen University and Research 

Centre (WUR), the Top Institute Food & Nutrition and the public-private 

innovation program FND+. Some 12 out of the 40 largest Food & Beverage 

companies in the world have R&D facilities located in the Netherlands. 

WUR is the foremost university in Europe in the field of agriculture, and 

second in the world, according to the Higher Education Evaluation & 

Accreditation Council of Taiwan. 


Major importer of 

goods and services 

Top 10 importers of goods (2013) 

United States 2,328,329 

China 

Germany 

Japan 


France 


Netherlands 

South Korea 

India 

Millions of US dollars Share in world imports (%) 

2.7 

2.6 

3.5 

3.1 

3.7 

3.6 

4.4 

703,872 

668,658 

655,698 

509,844 

515,573 

488,442 

6.4 

833,166 

10.4 

12.4 

1,194,483 

Source: International Trade Organisation, 2014. 

1,949,935 

As well as being a major exporter, the Netherlands also imports large 

quantities of goods: 591 billion-US-dollars-worth in 2013. With a about 3.1% 

share of the global total, the country is the ninth-largest importer of 

goods in the world. The Netherlands is also a significant importer of 

commercial services - imports of commercial services amounted to 121 

billion US dollars (94 billion Euros) in 2013, which placed the Netherlands 

eight in the world rankings. 


Most significant trading 

partner: Western Europe 

Geographical destination of Dutch exports (2013) 

5 

4 

6 

5 5 

4 4 

6 

7 

6 

7 

7 

3 

3 

3 

2 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1. All of Europe 340.8 

1. All of 1. Europe All of 340.8 Europe 340.8 

2. All of Africa 14.4 

2. All of 2. Africa All of 14.4 Africa 14.4 

3. All of North America 19.4 

3. All of 3. North All of America North America 19.4 19.4 

4. All of Central and 

4. All of 4. Central All of and Central and 

South America 9,7 

South America South America 9,7 9,7 

5. Near and Middle East 7.9 

5. Near 5. and Near Middle and East Middle 7.9 East 7.9 

6. Asia 39 

6. Asia 6. 39 Asia 39 

7. Oceania 2.6 

7. Oceania 7. Oceania 2.6 2.6 

Values in billions of euros. 


The role of the Netherlands as a key distribution location is also indicated 

by the volume of import and export activities. Almost 79% of Dutch exports 

remain within Europe, especially Western Europe. Germany is easily the 

Netherlands’ most significant trading partner, followed by Belgium, 

the United Kingdom and France. 


Gateway 

to Europe 

Geographical origin of Dutch imports (2013) 

rur 

6 

6 

6 

7 

7 

7 

5 

5 

5 

4 

4 

4 

3 

3 

3 

2 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1. All of Europe 242.5 

1. All of 1. Europe All of Europe 242.5 242.5 

2. All of Africa 15.4 

2. All of 2. Africa All of 15.4 Africa 15.4 

3. All of North America 27.9 

3. All of 3. North All of America North America 27.9 27.9 

4. All of Central and 

4. All of 4. Central All of Central and and 

South America 16.6 

South America South America 16.6 16.6 

5. Near and Middle East 10.5 

5. Near 5. and Near Middle and East Middle 10.5 East 10.5 

6. Asia 70.1 

6. Asia 6. 70.1Asia 70.1 

7. Oceania 1.4 

7. Oceania 7. Oceania 1.4 1.4 



The Netherlands has become a key hub for distribution in Europe because 

of its favourable location in relation to the European hinterland and the 

country’s world-class air and sea ports such as the Port of Rotterdam 

(Europort) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The Netherlands is home 

to more distribution centres than anywhere else in Europe and has the 

largest inland shipping fleet in Europe. 


Dutch paints add a touch 

of colour to the world 

Composition of Dutch exports (2013) 

9 9 

9 

10 10 

10 

1 1 

1 

2 2 

2 

3 3 

3 

8 8 

8 

4 4 

4 

7 7 

7 

6 6 

6 

5 5 

5 

1. 1. Animal Animal feed feed and and live live animals animals 53.8 53.8 6. 6. Chemical products 74.6 74.6 

2. 2. 

1. Beverages Animal feed and and 

and tobacco live animals 7.4 7.4 

53.8 7. 6. 

7. Manufactured Chemical products goods goods 

74.6 35.3 35.3 

3. 3. 

2. Raw Raw 

Beverages materials, 

and tobacco 7.4 

8. 7. 

8. Machinery Manufactured and and transportation 

goods 35.3 

3. inedible Raw materials, 

(not (not fuels) fuels) 19.8 19.8 

8. equipment Machinery and transportation 

108.6 108.6 

4. 

inedible (not fuels) 19.8 

4. Mineral Mineral fuels, fuels, lubricants 87.1 87.1 9. 

equipment 108.6 

9. Miscellaneous manufactured 

5. 

4. Mineral fuels, lubricants 87.1 


5. Animal Animal and and vegetable 

goods goods 40.5 40.5 

5. Animal and vegetable 

oils 

goods 40.5 

oils and and fats fats 4.3 4.3 

10. 10. Other Other goods goods 2.5 2.5 

oils and fats 4.3 

10. Other goods 2.5 

Values in billions of euros. Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2014. 

The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricultural products 

worldwide, after the United States. Horticulture is by far the most 

important segment within the agricultural sector. Other significant Dutch 

exports include chemical products (e.g. Sikkens paint), machinery (e.g. 

ASML lithography systems) and vehicles (DAF trucks and Scania trucks). 

The Netherlands is also a well-known exporter of high-quality aerospace 

components and systems (Fokker), ships (IHC Merwede), yachts (Royal Van 

Lent Shipyard) and busses and car parts (VDL Group). 


Biggest trading partner: 

Germany 

Composition of Dutch imports (2013) 

9 9 

9 

10 10 

10 

1 1 

2 2 

3 3 

8 8 8 

4 

4 

7 7 

7 

1. Animal feed and live animals 35 

1. 1. Animal feed feed and and live live animals 35 35 

2. Beverages and tobacco 3.8 

2. 2. Beverages and and tobacco 3.8 3.8 

3. Raw materials, inedible 

3. 3. Raw Raw materials, inedible 

(not fuel)s 13.8 

(not (not fuel)s 13.8 13.8 

4. Mineral fuels, lubricants 95.9 

4. 4. Mineral fuels, lubricants 95.9 95.9 

5. Animal and vegetable 

5. 5. Animal and and vegetable 

oils and fats 4.8 

oils oils and and fats fats 4.8 4.8 

5 5 

6 6 

6. Chemical products 51.8 

6. 6. Chemical products 51.8 51.8 

7. Manufactured goods 34.9 

7. 7. Manufactured goods 34.9 34.9 

8. Machinery and transportation 

8. 8. Machinery and and transportation 

equipment 103 

equipment 103 103 


9. 9. Miscellaneous manufactured 

goods 40 

goods 40 40 

10. Other goods 1.4 

10. 10. Other goods 1.4 1.4 



In 2013, 16.5% of all imports into the Netherlands originated in Germany. 

Almost half of all products purchased by the Netherlands in Germany were 

related to chemical products and machinery. Of all of the cars imported 

into the Netherlands, more than 90% came from Europe, particularly 

Belgium, France and Germany. Belgium (9.8% of total imports of goods) and 

China (8.3%) were respectively second and third Dutch import partner. 

In 2013 the value of Dutch imports (of goods) was 384.3 billion Euros. 


Seventh-largest foreign 

investor in the world 

Foreign investors in the world (2013) 


China 

(incl. Hong Kong) 


France 1,637 

Switzerland 1,259 


1,966 

1,885 

Germany 1,710 

Belgium 1,009 

Japan 993 

Canada 732 

Most important foreign investors in the world, in billions of US dollars. 

Source: UNCTAD, 2014. 

500 510 520 530 540 550 

Dutch businesses are truly international in their orientation. Dutch-based 

multinationals, such as AkzoNobel, Heineken, KPN, ING, Philips, Unilever 

and Shell have made substantial foreign investments in the past. The total 

value of Dutch investments in other countries is considerable. In late 2013, 

investments overseas totalled in excess of 1,072 billion US dollars, making 

the Netherlands the seventh-largest foreign investor in the world. 


Attractive for inward 

foreign investments 

Main recipients of foreign investment in Europe (2013) 

United Kingdom 1,606 

France 

1,081 

Belgium 924 

Germany 

852 

Switzerland 747 

Spain 716 

Netherlands 670 

Russian Federation 576 

Sweden 378 

Ireland 378 

Stocks, in billions of US dollars. 

Source: UNCTAD, 2014. 

200 600 1000 1400 540 550 

In 2013, foreign companies had inward direct investments worth 670 

billion US dollars. As a result, the Netherlands is the world’s eleventhlargest 

and Europe’s seventh-largest recipient of foreign investment. In 

2013 inward Dutch FDI stock amounted to 497.7 billion Euros or 82.2% of 

the Netherlands’ GDP. More than 6,300 foreign companies have established 

over 8,110 operations in the Netherlands. Among the many prominent 

international companies are firms like Abbott Laboratories, Boeing, 

Bombardier, Bosch, Cisco Systems, Danone, Dow, Eastman Chemical, 

Heinz, Hitachi, Huawei, ICBC, Medtronic, NCR Corporation, Reebok, RWE, 

Samsung, Siemens and Teijin. 



4. Holland Digital 

Gateway 

The Netherlands is a leading ICT innovator and 

a digital gateway to Europe. It has strong ICT 

infrastructure and an open innovation model 

that leads to high-level research. Moreover, the 

Dutch are keenly focused on cyber security and 

have developed various centres of expertise 

such as The Hague Security Delta. The 

Netherlands plays a key role in global Internet 

traffic. About a third of Europe’s Internet traffic 

with the US goes via the Amsterdam Internet 

Exchange. The quality of ICT infrastructure 

and security in The Netherlands makes it an 

attractive location for foreign investors: 25% are 

ICT related. 

37

Holland’s ICT Playing 

Field 

Metropolitan Amsterdam 

Regional cooperation and 

innovation in the area of 

transport, distribution, and 

data processing (new 

media, social sciences, data 

infrastructure). Dominant 

players: Amsterdam Start 

Up Delta, Amsterdam 

Internet Exchange 

(AMS-IX), Science Park 

Watergraafsmeer, SURF. 

Groningen 

Regional cooperation on 

focus areas big data and 

radio astronomy. 

Dominant players: IBM, 

Google, RUG, Astron. 

East Netherlands 

Regional cooperation on focus 

areas e-Health and human 

capital. Dominant players: 

Roessingh Institute, TU Twente, 

health care institutions, 

businesses in the Health Valley. 

The Hague 

The Hague Security Delta (HSD), largest security 

cluster in Europe. Public and private innovation in 

cyber security. Dominant players: Hague Security 

Delta Campus, Twente Safety & Security (TS&S), 

Dutch Institute for Technology Safety & Security, 

Brabant (DITSS). 

Eindhoven 

Regional cooperation 

on focus areas human 

capital and big data for 

industrial processes. 

Dominant players: 

ICT-driven companies 

such as Philips and 

various high tech 

suppliers, TU Eindhoven, 

Brainport. 

38 HOLLAND DIGITAL GATEWAY

The Dutch and ICT 

Strong in innovation, security and connectivity 

• The Netherlands is an international internet hub. It has the most 

competitive internet market and the second highest online 

connectivity in the world. 98% of households are connected to 

(broadband) internet compared to the European average of 62%. 

• The Dutch are active internet users: 91% of Dutch aged 16-74 

compared to average 75% of Europeans in same age group. 75% of 

Dutch between 16-74 years have basic ICT skills. The European 

average is 59%. 

• Businesses from within and outside Holland invest in data centres 

and fibre optics connections in Holland, due to the country’s good 

digital infrastructure. 

• As a result, a third main-port of large economic importance has 

come into being: the digital hub. This hub has created 140,000 

jobs (Research by Deloitte. In comparison, Schiphol airport has 

166,000 jobs and the Port of Rotterdam, 184,000.) 

• For further economic growth, The Netherlands continues to invest 

in economic opportunities in the cyber domain and to stimulate 

research there 

• In addition, the Netherlands is committed to renewing laws and 

regulations that limit restrictions to digital innovation and growth. 

• The Netherlands actively supports the adoption of international 

internet standards and open and secure international internet 

hosting. 

• COMMIT is the biggest ICT research project in The Netherlands, 

including 100 ICT companies, users and universities, working 

together. 

HOLLAND DIGITAL GATEWAY 39



Everyone’s into ICT 

Most advanced ICT economies (2015) 

Singapore 6.00 

Finland 6.00 

Sweden 5.80 


Norway 5.80 


United States 5.60 



Japan 

5.60 

Source: World Economic Forum, 2015. 

Research done in 20158, by the 

7,5 

WEF 

7,6 

into 

7,7 

network 

7,8 5,5 

readiness, 

5,6 5,7 

awarded 

5,8 5,9 

Holland 

6 8,5 

an excellent score: 4th place (in 2013 and 2014) in a list of 143 countries. The 

WEF-Networked Readiness Index (NRI) is one of the most comprehensive and 

authoritative assessments of the impact of ICT on competitiveness of nations 

and the well-being of their citizens. The NRI assesses the preparedness of an 

economy to fully leverage ICT in terms of: (1) ICT infrastructure, cost of access 

and the presence of the necessary skills to ensure an optimal use; (2) Uptake 

and use of ICT among governments, business and individuals; (3) Business 

and innovation environment, and the political and regulatory framework; and 

(4) Economic and social impacts accruing from ICT, and according to the 

International Telecommunication Union, the Netherlands ranks 7th among 

the world’s most advanced ICT economies, above countries such as Japan and 

the U.K. ITU’s ICT Development Index ranks 166 countries according to their 

level of ICT access, use and skills. 



Leading the field 

in broadband 

Number of broadband connections (2013) 

Switzerland 

44.9 

Netherlands 

Denmark 

40.4 

35.640.0 

France 

Korea 

Norway 

32.8 

33.5 

33.9 

37.0 

37.6 

37.5 

Iceland 


Germany 30.4 

31.9 

32.4 

35.2 

34.8 

35.8 

Belgium 30.3 

34.4 

Measured per 100 inhabitants. 


28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 

In December 2013, the Netherlands had the second-highest number of 

broadband connections per 100 inhabitants in the world. Almost 

every household in the Netherlands can be reached by a cable or 

DSL connection. With the world’s largest digital data distributor, the 

Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX), the Netherlands also has an 

outstanding data connection network, which is essential for businesses 

such as banks, insurers, internet-based companies and computer and 

advertising companies. 


Source: Netherlands Enterprise Agency 

45


5. Top Sectors in 

Focus 

In its economic policy, the Dutch government is 

focussing on nine business sectors that are key 

to Holland’s international trade and investment. 

These are sectors that are leading the way in 

innovation and sustainability, collaborating 

with Holland’s knowledge institutes on worldclass 

research and development. Expertise and 

products from these Dutch sectors is on demand 

around the world. Together, these sectors are 

the drivers of the Dutch economy. 

47


Agriculture & Food 

Sector 

World-leading supplier of agri-food products 

• Holland is the world’s 2nd largest exporter of agricultural 

products, after the USA. Together with the USA and Spain, Holland 

is one of the top 3 exporters of vegetables and fruit. 

• The total value of Dutch agricultural exports was 80.7 billion euros 

in 2014. 

• In 2012 the Dutch agri-food industry contributed 48.7 billion euros 

of added value to Dutch GDP. 

• The Netherlands is the largest exporter of tomatoes and potatoes 

in the world. In 2013 the Dutch agrifood sector exported tomatoes 

to the value of about 1.8 billion US dollars. 

• Four out of the world’s top-30 food and beverage companies 

WORDT Three out of the world’s top-25 food and beverage 

companies. 

• The Food Valley region, centred at Wageningen University and 

Research Center, is one of the most authoritative agri-food and 

nutrition research centres in Europe. Wageningen University 

occupies the first place in the European ranking, and the second 

place worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 

2014, in the category Agriculture & Forestry. 

• NIZO food research owns the largest food testing pilot plant in 

Europe and is open to the entire food and ingredient industry. 

• Holland is one of the world’s leading developers and 

manufacturers of food processing machinery. Dutch industry 

produces 80% of the world’s capacity of poultry processing 

machinery, and a substantial amount of cheese production 

machinery. 

• Dutch agricultural entrepreneurs use efficient and sustainable 

production systems and processes, resulting in a productivity that 

is five times higher than the European average. 

• Amsterdam is the largest cocoa port in the world. 

TOP SECTORS IN FOCUS 49

Source: Green Chemistry Campus

Chemical Sector 

Chemical portal to Europe 

• The chemical industry is one of the leading business sectors in the 

Netherlands, making a significant contribution to the economy. In 

2013, the turnover was 57 billion euros. 

• The Netherlands is the world’s 5th ranking chemical exporting 

country. In 2013, Dutch chemical exports were valued at some 

75 billion euros. 

• Holland is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of chemical products 

and services. 

• The competitiveness of the Dutch chemical industry lies in its 

internal and inter-company integration. Chemical companies work 

together on innovation and production, and take advantage of 

regional clustering. 

• The Netherlands hosts 16 of the world’s top 25 leading chemical 

companies, including BASF, AkzoNobel and Shell. 

• Holland is also home to world-class R&D institutes for 

fundamental and applied research such as TNO, Delft University, 

Twente University, Wageningen University and Eindhoven 

University. 

• Within the strong chemical community, the Dutch have formalized 

and structured the approach to co-operation. This is done with 

formal, long-term public-private partnerships (such as BE-Basic, 

the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology and the Dutch 

Polymer Institute) as well as through ‘open innovation’ in so called 

Centres for Open Chemical Innovation (COCI). The five COCIs are 

Chemelot; the Green Chemistry Campus; Plant One; Biotech 

Campus; and Green Polymer Application Valley. 

• In the area of advanced materials (polymers, composites, etc), the 

Netherlands consistently punches above its weight, producing 

world-renowned innovations in materials such as Twaron, 

Dyneema and Glare, as well as the folding tires for the automotive 

industry. 



Creative Industries 

Masters in architecture, design, fashion and gaming 

• Holland’s creative industry ranks among the world’s top 10 in 

terms of trade figures, jobs and registrations of brands and 

patterns. 

• The annual turnover of Dutch creative industries is 32.8 billion 

euros. 

• Dutch architects are commissioned to design prestigious 

buildings around the world such as the Mercedes Benz Museum 

in Stuttgart, the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing and Battery Park in 

New York. Renowned Dutch architects/agencies include Rem 

Koolhaas (OMA), Francine Houben (Mecanoo), Ben van Berkel and 

Caroline Bos (UNStudio). 

• Holland has a long tradition of interior design, epitomized by 

Rietveld’s furniture designs. Marcel Wanders is currently one the 

world’s best known furniture designers. 

• Dutch fashion designers with international acclaim Viktor & Rolf, 

Spijkers and Spijkers, Iris van Herpen, Jan Taminiau and Marlies 

Dekkers. World-famous Dutch fashion brands include G-Star, 

Sandwich, Gsus and Supertrash. 

• Holland is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of television formats. TV 

producers such as John de Mol, Endemol and Eyeworks are the 

creative engine behind some of the world’s most popular TV 

shows, such as The Voice, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Obese and 

So You Wannabe a Popstar. 

• The Netherlands is a world-leading developer of computer games 

including serious games such as VStep’s Ship Simulator. Famous 

Dutch leisure games include Killzone and Age of Wonders. 

• The Netherlands is a pioneer in the area of dance music and large 

dance events such as Sensation. Dutch DJ Hardwell was voted 

world’s best DJ 2013 and 2014, and prior to that DJ Armin van 

Buuren was voted the world’s best DJ for five years. 



Energy Sector 

Innovative, sustainable energy solutions 

• The Netherlands is a major natural gas producer and the source of 

advanced gas technology. Besides it is also Europe’s leading gas 

broker and a strategic gas hub. The country produced 84.9 billion 

cubic metres (bcm) in 2013; gas exports amounted to 67.3 bcm. 

• The distribution network for gas is the densest in Europe and of a 

very high standard. 

• The Dutch have unmatched capacity to cope with seasonal 

fluctuations in gas demand, providing north-western Europe with 

much-needed flexibility. 

• Holland has an international reputation for research in renewable 

energy, for instance in the field of solar energy, with institutes 

such as FOM and ECN, as well as various universities. The Dutch 

team from Delft University of Technology has won the World Solar 

Challenge, the biennial competition for solar cars, in 2001, 2003, 

2005, 2007 and 2013. 

• The Dutch have leading expertise in offshore wind energy, 

co-combustion of biomass in coal-fired power plants, pretreatment 

methods of biomass, the use of landfill gas, and the use 

of heat pumps combined with heat and cold storage. 

• There is extensive experience in the field of energy efficiency due 

to a long tradition of multi-annual voluntary agreements on 

energy efficiency between Dutch industry and the government. 

This has made Dutch industry one of the most energy efficient in 

the world. 

• 7.5 million tons of municipal waste is converted in 13 efficient and 

clean waste incinerators to power, heat and reusable resources 

from the ashes. 

• The Netherlands is establishing itself as leader in green gas. 

‘Green gas’ technology, the gasification of biomass, has been 

patented by Dutch energy company ECN. 

• The Netherlands plays a key role as a major oil-refining centre in 

Europe, with an extensive supply network of ports, storage 

facilities and pipeline connections playing a critical role for oil 

supplies to the continent. 



High Tech Sector 

New technologies for health, mobility, energy and security 

• Holland’s high-tech sector is a world leader in the development of 

new technologies and materials for use in communication 

systems, aircraft and automobiles, medical devices, energy 

generation and semiconductor production. 

• Dutch companies invented WiFi, the CD and the DVD. Bluetooth 

was invented by Dutchman Jaap Haartsen. And high-tech 

equipment from Dutch companies are used in 90% of all silicon 

chips produced worldwide. 

• The Netherlands is strong in nanotechnology research. Dutch 

publications in nanotechnology are the most frequently cited by 

patents, compared to all other countries in the world. The country 

ranks 3rd in citation impact. 

• The Netherlands is also world leader in designing, developing and 

making high-tech equipment and micro/nano components. 

Characteristic features of this equipment are: highly intelligent 

(embedded systems, software, sensors); very precise (nanoelectronics, 

high precision manufacturing), and highly efficient 

(mechatronics and smart electronics) 

• Dutch multinational ASML is the world’s leading provider of 

lithography machines for the semiconductor industry. 

• In 2012 the export value from the HTSM sector was 45 billion 

euros, and the added value 42 billion euros. 

• The Netherlands has a world-leading position in the design and 

manufacture of milking robots. 

• In 2014, Tech United, a team from the Technical University 

Eindhoven (TU/e), became World Champion Robot Soccer for the 

second time at the RoboCup 2014 in Brazil. 



Horticulture Sector 

World’s leading supplier of flowers, plants and trees 

• The Dutch horticulture sector is a global trendsetter and the 

undisputed international market leader in flowers, plants, bulbs 

and propagation material. 

• A quarter of the world trade in horticultural products (24%) is in 

Dutch hands. Holland has a 52% share of the worldwide trade in 

floricultural products, making it the dominant global supplier of 

flowers and flower products. Some 80% of all flower bulbs traded 

worldwide come from the Netherlands, the majority of which are 

tulips. 

• The sector is the number 3 exporter in nutritional horticulture 

products. 

• Dutch horticultural innovations include intelligent greenhouses 

that can float on water, moving platforms, robots, innovative 

lighting, water and waste recycling, and greenhouses that 

generate more energy than they consume and thus contribute to 

a reduction in CO2. 

• Of the approximately 1,800 new plant varieties that enter the 

European market each year, 65% originate in the Netherlands. In 

addition, Dutch breeders account for more than 35% of all 

applications for community plant variety rights. 

• The Dutch are the world’s largest exporter of seeds: the exports of 

seeds amounted to 1.6 billion dollars in 2014. 

• In 2014 the Netherlands was the world’s second largest exporter 

(in value) of fresh vegetables. The Netherlands exported 

vegetables with a market value of 7.8 billion US dollars. 


Source: Enraf-Nonius

Life Sciences and Health 

Sector 

Helping to advance health worldwide 

• The Netherlands ranks 4th worldwide in patent applications for 

medical technology and 9th in patent applications for 

biotechnology.. 

• With approximately 375 innovative life sciences companies 

clustered within a 120 mile radius, Holland is the most 

geographically concentrated region in the world when it comes to 

creating economic and social value in Life Sciences and Health. 

• Expertise in healthcare infrastructure is characterised by a 

turn-key plus approach: Dutch companies are able to cover all 

aspects from hospital design & engineering, financing, waste 

management, medical equipment etc. while paying special 

attention paid to energy efficiency and ‘healing environments’. 

• In 2011, Brainport Eindhoven’s Brainport region was named the 

world’s most intelligent ICT and health cluster. 

• The excellent medical research infrastructure is strongly focused 

on translational research in the different medical fields such 

oncology, cardiovascular, immunology and neuroscience. 

• The Netherlands is a global market leader in mobile health care, 

which enables the Dutch to contribute to rural health care in 

developing countries around the globe. 

• The industry annually exports around 37 billion euros in total of 

which 25 billion euros is pharmaceutical and the rest medical 

technology and medical and laboratory instruments. 

• The sector invests over 2 billion euros in R&D in the Netherlands 

each year and is becoming a globally recognized stronghold of 

open innovation. It already accounts for 2.5% of GDP. 

• Philips is the world leader in medical imaging and patient 

monitoring; DSM is a biomaterials leader. 

• The Dutch public-private partnership model, such as the 

Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) and the three top institutes 

(TI Pharma, CTMM and BMM), have set an international standard. 



Logistics Sector 

Strategic gateway to Europe and the world 

• The Netherlands was ranked 2nd in the 2014 World Bank global 

Logistics Performance Index (based on terms of efficiency and 

effectiveness of its customs, quality of transport, IT infrastructure 

for logistics and ease and affordability of shipping). 

• The Port of Rotterdam is the world’s 8th-largest and Europe’s 

largest port with a throughput of 445 million tons in 2014. From 

the Port of Rotterdam, all major industrial and economic centres 

in Western Europe can be reached in less than 24 hours. 

• In 2013, Schiphol won the ‘ACI EUROPE Best Airport’ award for the 

fourth time. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport won two awards at the 

2012 Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards: Best Airport in Europe 

and the Best Air Cargo Terminal in Europe. At the 2014 World 

Airport Awards air travellers voted Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 

the Best Airport in Western Europe. 

• According to the World Economic Forum, the quality of the Dutch 

infrastructure is among the best in the world, reflecting excellent 

facilities for maritime, air, road and railroad transport, ranked 1st, 

4th, 5th and 9th, respectively in 2014. IMD Business School ranked 

the Netherlands first worldwide in 2014 with regards to the quality 

of its water transport infrastructure. 

• Dutch inland shipping accounts for 54% of all trade shipping in 

Western Europe. The Dutch fleet is, with 7,000 vessels, the biggest 

and most modern in Europe. 79% of all containers transported via 

inland navigation in the EU-28 countries passes through Dutch 

territory. 

• Over 1,000 American and Asian companies have centralised their 

European distribution activities in the Netherlands. The country 

hosts over 20 million square metres of distribution centres. 

• The Netherlands has the third cooling and freezing storage 

capacity in the EU. 



Water Sector 

World leaders in hydraulic engineering, water treatment and 

shipbuilding 

• The Dutch are renowned for their integrated water management 

and multi-disciplinary approach that balances social, economic, 

environmental and engineering needs (‘Building with Nature’). 

Dutch companies are involved in the sustainable development of 

low-lying urban agglomerations such as Jakarta and Bangladesh, 

and coastal development in areas such as Dubai, Vietnam and 

Romania. 

• 40% of the freely accessible market for water management is in 

Dutch hands. 

• The Dutch Delta Works are listed in the Guinness Book of Records 

as the largest flood defence project in the world. With almost 

16,500 kilometres of dykes and 300 structures, the project is one 

of the most extensive engineering projects in the world. The 

Oosterscheldedam is the largest single tidal barrier in the world, 

at 9km in length. 

• The Dutch invest heavily in innovation and R&D through publicprivate 

partnerships. These include renowned institutes such as 

Deltares, MARIN, Wetsus and KWR Watercycle Research Institute. 

TNO and large Dutch private firms are also recognised for their 

water R&D. 

• In the field of water technology and maritime technology, the 

Netherlands ranks 8th worldwide for global patents. 

• The Dutch began using innovative waste water treatment 

techniques in the 1970s. Some 99.9% of Dutch households have 

access to clean, entirely chlorine-free drinking water. Additionally, 

the level of recycling of industrial waste water is high, and this 

recycled water is of such high quality that it can be used in the 

food and beverage industries. 

• The Dutch maritime cluster comprises 12 sub sectors and 12,000 

companies, which employ 224,000 employees. The cluster has a 

strong international focus: 60% of the seagoing ships produced in 

the Netherlands are destined for export. 



6. Human Capital 

and Innovation 

Dutch products are ‘typically’ highly 

innovative. The Netherlands provides 

solutions to keep rising water levels in check, 

create islands in the sea and make waterways 

navigable. Apart from solutions for use in the 

natural environment, the Dutch also have the 

knowledge and the skills to develop products 

such as navigation systems with worldwide 

appeal (TomTom). This capacity to innovate is 

evidenced by the large number of patents that 

are applied for every year, and by the presence 

of several world-renowned knowledge and 

research institutes in the Netherlands. 

67

Well-educated 

working population 

Education level: upper secondary education (2012) 

United States 89 

Sweden 88 

Switzerland 86 

Germany 86 

Finland 85 

Austria 83 

United Kingdom 78 

Denmark 78 

Ireland 73 

Netherlands 73 

Measured as percentage of population (25-64 years old) 

that has attained upper secondary education. 

0Source: 10OECD, 20 

2014. 

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 

The internationally-oriented working population of the Netherlands is well 

educated, with many people able to speak more than one foreign language 

(European Commission, 2012). According to the EF English Proficiency 

Index, the Netherlands ranks third out of 54 countries. In addition to 

English, and in comparison with neighbouring countries, a good proportion 

of the population also speak German and French. According to the 

European Commission, the Netherlands has a world-class vocational 

education and training (VET) system, with built-in mechanisms to adapt to 

current and future skills needs so that training is more demand-driven. 

Furthermore, compared to many other EU member states, life-long learning 

is commonplace in the Netherlands: adults regularly engage in further 

education in order to continually improve their skills and knowledge levels. 

68 Human capital and innovation

Dutch schoolchildren 

are second in the EU 

PISA Score 

Singapore 

Hong Kong, 

China 

South Korea 

Japan 

540 

543 

555 

554 

Taiwan 

535 

Finland 

529 

Canada 

Netherlands 

Switzerland 

519 

518 

522 

Germany 

515 

Measured as PISA scores (points). OECD average = 500. 

Source: OECD, 2013 

500 510 520 530 540 550 

Dutch schoolchildren achieve good scores in the OECD Programme for 

International Student Assessment (PISA): fifth place within the OECD and 

second in the EU. The PISA survey is conducted every three years among 

500,000 school pupils across 70 countries, and evaluates the capacity of 

15-year-old schoolchildren to understand and solve academic problems. 

Moreover, according to the OECD the Dutch labour force is well equipped 

for the dynamic, fast changing IT-society of the 21e century. In comparison 

to other OECD countries, Dutch employees have leading positions in 

literacy proficiency, numeracy proficiency and proficiency in problem 

solving in technology-rich environments. 

Human capital and innovation 69

Fourth most prosperous 

country 

Human Development Index (2014) 

Norway 

0.9440.971 

Australia 

0.933 

Switzerland 

Netherlands 

0.917 

0.915 

United States 

Germany 

0.911 

0.914 

New Zealand 

Canada 

Singapore 

Denmark 

0.910 

0.902 

0.901 

0.900 

0.963 

Source: United Nations Development Programme, 2014. 

,58 ,69 ,60 ,61 ,62 ,63 ,64 ,65 ,66 ,67 ,68 ,69 ,70 ,71 

According to the UNDP, the Netherlands ranks 4th place worldwide with 

regard to prosperity. In determining ‘prosperity’, the UNDP takes into 

account a country’s GDP as well as other aspects of human well-being, 

such as life expectancy, public health, literacy levels and educational 

standards. Of the 186 countries listed in the UNDP index, the Netherlands 

ranks 4th. 


Entrepreneurs create 

dynamism 

Number of entrepreneurs (2009) 

Australia 

Canada 

12.2 

1212.3 

14.4 

Netherlands 

Belgium 

EU-27 

Ireland 


9.9 

9.7 

11.611.9 

11.411.5 

11.311.5 

11.4 

11.4 

Germany 

Finland 

8.8 

8.5 9.3 

9.8 

United States 

6.9 

9.3 

Measured as a percentage of the working population 


The Dutch have always been well known for their entrepreneurial spirit, 

which is reflected in the country’s large number of entrepreneurs: 11.9% 

of the Dutch working population is self-employed. The Dutch government 

promotes start-ups because they create economic vitality and innovation 

and because they challenge existing firms, giving them the incentive to 

adapt and continue to innovate. 


Worldwide innovation 

index: fifth position 

Most innovative countries (2014) 



Sweden 62.3 

Finland 60.7 




Denmark 57.5 



56.8 

Source: INSEAD, 2014. 

The Netherlands scores 

4 

well 

4,1 

on 

4,2 

the Global 

4,3 4,4 

Innovation 

4,5 4,6 

Index 

4,7(GII) 4,8 

2014. 

4,9 

The GII ranks 143 countries on parameters such as ‘institutions’, ‘human 

capacity’ and ‘business sophistication’, so as to arrive at a global innovation 

ranking for each country. The Netherlands scores particularly well on 

parameters such as ‘knowledge diffusion’, ‘online creativity‘ and ‘creative 

goods and services’. 

According to the Innovation Union Scoreboard 2015 (IUS) the Netherlands 

ranks fifth in the EU (European Commission/UNU-MERIT, 2015). The IUS 

distinguishes between 3 main types of indicators (enablers, firm activities 

and outputs) and 8 innovation dimensions (as human resources, research 

systems, finance and support, intellectual assets), capturing in total 25 

different indicators. 


Source: Layar

Modest R&D 

expenditure 

R&D expenditure (2013) 

Finland 

Sweden 

Denmark 

Germany 

Austria 

3.32 

3.21 

2.73.05 

2.94 2.7 

2.81 2.6 

3.7 

United States* 

2.0 

2.81 

Belgium 

France 

1.8 

1.9 

2.28 

2.23 

Netherlands 


1.7 

1.8 

1.63 

1.98 

Measured as a percentage of GDP 

*= 2012 


1 1,5 2,0 2,5 3,0 3,5 3,8 

At 2.16% of GDP, Research & Development expenditure in the Netherlands 

is modest from an international perspective (EU-average was 2.07% in 

2012). However, this can partly be explained by the Dutch sector structure 

because the services sector, which ‘naturally’ has a low R&D intensity, 

accounts for a relatively large share of the Dutch economy. Public-private 

partnerships in scientific research are a major factor, and the Netherlands 

is ranked sixth worldwide in this area, according to the Netherlands 

Observatory of Science and Technology (NOWT) (2008). 


Home-grown knowledge 

multinationals 

Top 10 innovative Dutch businesses (2014) 

R&D expenditure (millions of euros) 

R&D personnel (FTE) 

ASML 

Philips 

799.5 

4263 

742 

4013 

Royal DSM 

NXP 

Semiconductors 

249 

1384 

244.2 

1486 

Thales 

Nederland 

DAF Trucks 

119 

717 

107.5 

884 

VDL Groep 

Synthon 

Friesland 

Campina 

Rijk Zwaan 

83 

69.4 

212 

66 

520 

65 

466 

874 

*Calculated by TW. 

Source: Technisch Weekblad, 2015. 

The Dutch economy has a broad and solid base. Leading multinationals 

with worldwide operations such as AkzoNobel, ASML, DAF Trucks, 

Heineken, NXP Semiconductors, Philips, Shell and Unilever have their 

roots in the Netherlands. Dutch industry includes a large number of 

innovative and knowledge-intensive companies that enjoy a sound 

reputation the world over and that carry out a great deal of R&D 

(including the aforementioned multinationals). In addition, there are also 

many other global businesses that conduct R&D activities in the 

Netherlands, such as Danone, Dow and Yakult. 


Large base of knowledge 

and research 

A selection of knowledge and research institutes (2014) 

Budget in millions of euros 

Personnel in FTE 

TNO 

ECN 

140 

550 

626.4 

3028 

Deltares 

FOM 

NLR 

KNMI 

MESA + 

MARIN 

J.M. Burgercentrum 

TI Food and 

Nutrition 

74 

104 

102 

59.1 

347 

51 

42.7 

366 

30 

60 

28 

177 

578 

819 

1019 

643 

Source: Technisch Weekblad Special R&D, april 2015. 

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 

Dutch universities score quite highly for teaching and research in a 

number of international rankings (see: www.vsnu.nl). Wageningen 

University (WUR), for example, is a global leader in green biotechnology, 

and Leiden University leads the way in the biomedical life sciences (see 

box). In addition, the Netherlands is also home to a significant number of 

renowned knowledge and research institutes such as ECN and TNO, which 

play an important role in the government-initiated public-private 

innovation programmes. 


TNO 

Organisation for Applied Scientific Research 

ECN 

Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands 

Deltares Institute for Deltatechnology 

FOM 

Foundation for the Fundamental Research on Matter 

NLR 

National Aerospace Laboratory 

KNMI Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute 

MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology 

MARIN Research Institute in Hydrodynamics and Nautical Research 

J.M. Burgers- Research School for Fluid Mechanics 

centrum 

TI Food and Public private partnership for interdisciplinary research 

Nutrition in food and nutrition 

Brainport Eindhoven Region is a top technology breeding ground for 

innovation and home to world-class businesses, knowledge institutes and 

research institutions. The five key target sectors are High Tech Systems & 

Materials, Food, Automotive, Lifetec and Design. Brainport Eindhoven 

Region is a powerful innovative player in a European and global context. It 

accounts for a third of all Dutch private R&D expenditure, and is one of 

Europe’s top three regions in terms of patent density. In 2011 the Intelligent 

Community Forum declared Brainport the world’s smartest region. In 2012 

Fortune magazine suggested that this region could be the new Silicon 

Valley. 

Energy Valley is the energy cluster in the north of the Netherlands. The 

Energy Valley Region is an incubation zone for clean, reliable and innovative 

energy. The region is strategically positioned, centrally in the European gas 

and power grid, and directly at the North sea with excellent harbour 

facilities for transport of raw materials and offshore wind developments. 

Companies, knowledge institutes and governments work closely together 

to create a sustainable energy economy and new green jobs. Currently 

there are over 3,000 companies en 22,500 employees in the Northern 

energy cluster. 


Dutch scientists 

frequently cited 

Citation impact (2009-2012) 

Denmark 1.63 




United States 

1.49 

1.5 

Ireland 1.44 

Finland 1.44 

Norway 1.42 

Sweden 

Belgium 

1.37 

1.37 

Source: WTI 2 , 2015, data processing: Netherlands Enterprise Agency, 2015. 

1,40 1,42 1,44 1,46 1,48 1,50 1,52 1,54 1,56 1,58 1,60 1,62 1,64 

The citation impact score is a key indicator of scientific quality. 

The score refers to the number of times a scientist is cited by other 

scientists. These citations indicate how much they value each other’s 

work. The global average citation impact score is ‘1’. Dutch scientists 

are cited above the global average and claim third place in the world. 

Furthermore, Dutch scientists score highly for joint publications, which is 

evidence of the international significance of research taking place in the 

Netherlands. 


Refreshing business 

approach 

Number of PCT-patent applications (2013) 


Japan 43,918 

China 21,516 

Germany 17,927 

South Korea 12,386 

France 7,899 

United Kingdom 4,865 

Switzerland 4,367 


Sweden 

3,960 

Source: World Intellectual Property Organisation, 2014. 

75 85 95 105 115 125 135 145 155 165 175 185 195 205 210213 

PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty)-patents are patent applications that are 

registered with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The 

Netherlands is well represented in this area and is ranked ninth in the 

world (fourth in the EU). Patents are in many cases the result of R&D 

activities which, if successful, can lead to greater labour productivity and 

an advantage over foreign competitors. This high score means that Dutch 

industry is an attractive potential partner - one that is innovative, inviting 

and stimulating. 


Source: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

7. Infrastructure 

The Netherlands has a number of key logistics 

hubs such as the Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol 

Airport, as well as a high penetration of broadband 

Internet. This provides the country with a sound 

physical infrastructure and consequently enables 

it to be a top performer in terms of logistics. 

81

Navigable inland 

waterways 

Quality of water transportation (2014) 


Finland 9.10 

Iceland 8.98 

Denmark 8.97 

Germany 8.79 

Hong Kong, China 8.72 


Sweden 8.62 

Canada 8.53 


Harbours, canals, locks, etc. 


0 2 4 6 8 9,6 

The Netherlands has a good physical infrastructure, with the world-class 

(main)ports and the navigable inland waterway system being prime 

examples. The extensive network of inland waterways has excellent 

connections to the waterways in the rest of Europe. The Netherlands has 

the best water transport infrastructure in the world. The country also has 

an extensive road transport network and is second in the world as regards 

road network density (IMD, 2014). According to IMD (2014), the Dutch 

energy infrastructure also scores well, taking second place overall. 

82 Infrastructure

Strong in 

logistics 

Logistics performance index (2014) 

Germany 4.12 


Belgium 4.04 



Sweden 3.96 

Norway 

3.96 



Japan 3.91 

Source: World Bank, 2014. 

3,8 3,9 4,0 4,1 

4,2 

The Netherlands’ strong position in terms of logistics is due to the 

favourable geographic location of the country, at the heart of Europe; 

a sound infrastructure that includes the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of 

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; and a sophisticated logistics 

sector. This is reflected in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index 

2014, where the Netherlands is ranked second. The Netherlands came out 

on top in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of its Customs and 

other border procedures, the quality of its transport and IT infrastructure 

for logistics, the ease of use and affordability of its shipping, and the level 

of professionalism in the Dutch logistics industry. 

Infrastructure 83

Third-largest airport 

in Europe 

European airport traffic and transport (2013) 

Cargo transport x1,000 tonnes 

Passenger transport x1,000 passengers 

Frankfurt am Main 

Germany 

Paris Charles de Gaulle 

France 

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 

Netherlands 

2,016 

57,896 

1,877 

61,985 

1,531 

52,528 

London Heathrow 


1,423 

Source: Schiphol Group, 2014. 

72,3333 

In 2013, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was Europe’s fourth-largest airport 

in terms of passenger numbers and third in cargo volumes, welcoming 

52.6 million passengers and processing 1.5 million tonnes of cargo. A 

total of 99 airlines offer direct flights from Schiphol to 323 destinations. 

This makes Amsterdam Airport Schiphol one of the four most important 

Main Ports (or hubs) in Europe. It is also one of the two European home 

bases of Air France-KLM and the SkyTeam alliance. In addition, Schiphol 

is an important contributor to the regional economy, providing direct 

employment for around 65,000 people at the airport. The contribution to 

the national economy amounts to around 26 billion euros, and a total of 

290,000 jobs nationwide. Schiphol is also renowned for its inspiring 

facilities for passengers and innovative technical solutions such as the 

extensive baggage handling system. The airport has won over 200 

national and international awards since 1980. 

84 Infrastructure

Largest port 

in Europe 

Trans-shipment of goods (2013) 

9,743 

Trans-shipment (in millions of tonnes) 

Containers (in millions of TEU) 

Netherlands 

Rotterdam 

440.5 

11.6 

Belgium 

Antwerp 

183.8 

8.6 

Germany 

Hamburg 

132.2 

Source: Port of Rotterdam, 2014. 

9.3 

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. The trans-shipment 

in Rotterdam added up to 440.5 million tons in 2013. The number of 

containers handled remained at 11.6 million TEUs in 2013. 

Business often choose to locate in and around the Port of Rotterdam 

because of its strategic location in north-west Europe, its depth, the 

many port facilities, and its excellent links with the hinterland. Many 

companies from America and Asia use Rotterdam as their base for the 

distribution of goods throughout Europe. Work on the ‘Maasvlakte 2’ 

project is currently on-going. This historic land reclamation project will 

expand the area of the Port of Rotterdam. The first phase will be 

completed in 2014, which is when the first containers will cross the quay. 

The combined activities of the port account for about 5% of GDP. More 

than 90,000 people work directly for the port of Rotterdam. 

Infrastructure 85

Source: Hans Kouwenhoven

8. Government 

The complex of buildings known as the ‘Binnenhof’ 

[‘Inner Court’] in The Hague is the seat of the Dutch 

government, which enjoys a good international 

reputation and functions effectively. 

The Netherlands is one of the most stable nations 

in the world with a competitive fiscal climate. 

Besides, government finances are relatively healthy. 

87

Effective 

government 

Government effectiveness (2013) 

Finland 2.2 

Singapore 2.1 

Denmark 2.0 

Norway 1.9 


Canada 1.8 


Sweden 1.8 

Liechtenstein 1.7 

New Zealand 

1.7 

Source: World Bank, 2015. 

75 85 90 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 100 1 2 213 

According to the World Bank, the government of the Netherlands is 

one of the most effective in the world, thus making it easier for 

companies to make medium and long-term decisions. 

The figures for government effectiveness capture the perceptions of the 

quality of public services; the quality of the civil service and the degree 

of its independence from political pressures; the quality of policy 

formulation and implementation; and the credibility of the 

government’s commitment to such policies. 

88 Government

One of the least 

corrupt countries 

Corruption perception index (2014) 

Denmark 

New Zealand 

Finland 

Sweden 

Norway 

Switzerland 

Singapore 

Netherlands 

Luxembourg 

Canada 

9.4 92.0 

9.391.0 

9.289.0 

9.2 87.0 

9.086.0 

8.986.0 

8.9 84.0 

8,783.0 

8.7 82.0 

8.7 81.0 

Source: Transparency International, 2014. 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 

According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, 

levels of corruption and nepotism in the Netherlands are among the 

lowest anywhere in the world. Among the aspects of corruption that were 

examined were the degree to which people in authority - such as Customs 

officers, police officers, politicians, judges and other officials – misuse 

their position for personal gain (financial or otherwise). IMD (2014) also 

concludes that bribery and corruption are rare in the Netherlands: the 

country ranks sixth worldwide. 

Government 89

Moderate level of 

government debt 

National debt as a percentage of GDP (2013) 

Luxembourg 

23.1 

Sweden 

Denmark 

40.6 

44.5 

Finland 

57 

Netherlands 

Austria 

Germany 

73.5 

74.5 

78.4 


Euro area 

France 

90.6 

92.6 

93.5 


0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 

The Netherlands was able to dramatically reduce its level of government 

debt in the years preceding the global economic crisis thanks to a stable 

economy and a reasonably stringent fiscal policy. In 2008, there was even a 

budget surplus for the third consecutive year. In 2014, Dutch government 

debt as a percentage of GDP was higher than the EMU standard of 60% 

(69.0%), but it was still well below the average for the Euro zone (90.9%). 

According to the CPB – Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis – 

the budget deficit will amount to 1.8% of GDP in 2015 and 1.2% in 2016. The 

government debt will amount to 68.8% of GDP in 2015 (EMU-definition) 

and 67.8% in 2016 (CPB, March 2015). 

90 Government

Competitive 

taxation climate 

Corporate tax rate on profit 2014 (%) 

Ireland 12.5 

Finland 20.0 


Sweden 22.0 


Denmark 24.5 

Austria 25.0 



Germany 30.2 


0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 79 

The corporate income tax rate is 20% on the first 200,000 euros and 25% for 

taxable profits exceeding 200,000 euros which is well below the EU 

national average. Furthermore, companies can benefit from an effective 

tax rate of only 5% for R&D income from self-developed, patented, 

intangible assets and also from self-developed, unpatented, intangible 

assets which qualify for the WBSO subsidy. Other features of the Dutch tax 

system include a wide tax treaty network - the participation exemption - 

which states that all benefits related to a qualifying shareholding are 

exempt from Dutch corporate income tax, and, finally, a 30% tax-break for 

highly qualified foreign employees. 

Government 91

Explanatory notes regarding this publication 

This publication is intended to provide a concise and representative 

picture of the state of the Dutch economy. Every attempt has been 

made to carefully and judiciously select indicators from internationally 

renowned and reliable sources. In the case of most of the indicators, 

the Dutch economy has been compared with surrounding countries and 

the United States, many of which are similar in terms of their economic 

structures. Comparisons have also been made in a number of cases 

with other countries, such as with various worldwide rankings. 

92

Sources 


www.schipholgroup.nl 

The Conference Board 

www.conference-board.org 

Economist Intelligence Unit 

www.eiu.com 

European Commission 

www.ec.europa.eu 

Eurostat 

www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu 

IMD 

www.imd.ch 

IMF 

www.imf.org 

INSEAD 

www.globalinnovationindex.org 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

www.government.nl/ministries/bz 

Netherlands Bureau for 

Economic Policy Analysis 

www.cpb.nl 

The Netherlands Observatory 

of Science and Technology 

www.nowt.nl 

The Netherlands Organisation 

for Applied Scientific Research 

www.tno.nl 

OECD 

www.oecd.org 

Port of Rotterdam Authority 

www.portofrotterdam.com 

Social and Cultural Planning 

Office of the Netherlands 

www.scp.nl 

Statistics Netherlands 

www.cbs.nl 

Technisch Weekblad 

www.technischweekblad.nl 

Transparency International 

www.transparency.org 

UNCTAD 

www.unctad.org 

United Nations 

http://comtrade.un.org/ 

United Nations Development 

Programme 

www.hdr.undp.org 

World Bank 

www.worldbank.org 

World Economic Forum 

www.weforum.org 

World Trade Organization 

www.wto.org 

93

Other sources of information 

More detailed information is available on the websites below, 

almost all of which include sections in English. 

Information regarding innovation 

Benelux Office for 

Intellectual Property 

www.boip.int 


www.cbs.nl 

Ministry of Economic Affairs 

www.government.nl/ministries/ez 

Netherlands Patent Office 

www.agentschapnl.nl/ 

octrooicentrum 

Netherlands Enterprise Agency 

www.rvo.nl/innovatie 

Trendwatchers for 

Innovation and Technology 

www.rvo.nl/en/nost 

Information regarding the labour market and higher education 

http://www.studyinholland.nl/ 


www.cbs.nl 

Netherlands Bureau for 

Economic Policy Analysis 

www.cpb.nl 

Association of Universities 

in the Netherlands 

www.vsnu.nl 

Netherlands Organization 

for International Cooperation 

in Higher Education 

www.nuffic.nl 

Ministry of Social Affairs 

and Employment 

www.government.nl/ministries/szw 

General information about the Netherlands 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

www.government.nl/ministries/bz 


www.cbs.nl 

94

Information regarding enterprise (including internationally), 

investing and partnerships in the Netherlands 

Ministry of Economic Affairs 

www.government.nl/ministries/ez 

Netherlands Foreign 

Investment Agency 

www.nfia.nl 

Netherlands Enterprise Agency, 

focus on sustainability, 

innovation and international 

www.hollandtradeandinvest.com 

www.rvo.nl 

Ministry of Finance 

www.government.nl/ministries/fin 


www.cbs.nl 

Chambers of Commerce 

www.kvk.nl 

95

Information regarding Top Sectors 

Food Tech Holland 

www.foodtechholland.nl 

Dutch Federation of 

Agriculture and Horticulture 

(LTO) 

www.lto.nl 

Association of the Dutch 

Chemical Industry 

www.vnci.nl 

Dutch Design Fashion 

Architecture Programme 

(DFA) 

www.dutchdfa.com 

Dutch export platform for 

Dutch clean tech companies 

www.cleantechholland.nl 

Energy Research Centre of 

the Netherlands 

www.ecn.nl 

Association of Suppliers of 

Environmental Technology 

www.vlm.fme.nl 

Holland High Tech Sector 

www.hollandhightech.nl 

Plantum (Dutch Association 

for Plant Propagation 

Material) 

www.plantum.nl 

Dutch Flower Auction 

www.floraholland.com 

96

Greenport Holland (Dutch 

Horticultural Association) 

www.greenportholland.com 

(Dutch only) 

Life Sciences and Health 

Sector 

www.lifescienceshealth.com 

Holland International 

Distribution Council 

www.hidc.nl 

Port of Rotterdam 

www.portofrotterdam.com 


www.schipholgroup.com 

Dutch Water Sector 

www.dutchwatersector.com 

Wetsus, Dutch Centre of 

Excellence for Sustainable 

Water Technology 

www.wetsus.nl 

Holland Shipbuilding 

Association 

www.hme.nl 

The Association of Dutch 

Suppliers in the Oil and Gas 

Industry (IRO) 

www.iro.nl and www.iro-noc.nl 

97

Imprint 2015 Edition 

This publication, Holland Compared Cyber Security Special 2015, is 

published by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For further information 

please contact the Dutch embassy, consulate or Netherlands Business 

Support Office in your area, or visit www.hollandtrade.com to learn even 

more about Dutch commerce. 

Editor-in-Chief 

Angelina Helder-Klamer 

Economic editor 

Ron Hogenboom 

Gea Blok (assistant) 

English language editor 

Jacqueline Meeuwisse 

Coordination 

Elles van Egmond 

Editorial address 

Holland Compared 

Netherlands Enterprise Agency 

Intelligence Unit 

P.O. Box 20105 

2500 EC The Hague 

The Netherlands 

Design 

Tigges, Voorburg 

Copyright 

Articles may be reprinted or reproduced only with acknowledgement 

of the source: Source: Holland Compared 2015 

No rights may be derived from the contents of this publication. 

Photo front, source: Netherlands Enterprise Agency 

98

Source: Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V.

Source: Energising the Future

What companies say 

about the Netherlands 

Strategic location 

“Opening a base at Schiphol is an important 

strategic move for easyJet. easyJet is already the 

second largest airline at Amsterdam - one of 

Europe’s leading airports serving a large and 

growing aviation market with strong passenger 

demand both to and from the Dutch capital.” 

EasyJet (UK) 

Digital Gateway 

“Now, this is just the European Headquarters, but it 

is a matter of time before this office will serve as 

the headquarters for Africa and the Middle East as 

well.” 

Netflix (USA) 

Superior logistics and technology infrastructure 

“Aside from the great infrastructure and the 

Netherlands excellent location in Europe, the 

Netherlands also appeals to us because of 

developments in the fields of smart cities, smart 

environments, and smart mobility.” 

Huawei (China) 

www.hollandtrade.com

Holland Compared

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