Knowledge coalition: EU budget must fully focus on innovation

During the negotiations on the EU budget 2021-2027, the Dutch government must be fully committed to further stimulating innovation. At least 120 billion euros should be reserved for this.

That say the Knowledge Coalition, a partnership of the business community and knowledge institutions. The focus on innovation within the EU is necessary to maintain competitiveness against the US and China.

The Dutch government will negotiate the EU's multi-year budget next autumn. This runs until 2027. The Knowledge Coalition believes that the government's efforts partly determine how much money is reserved by the EU for innovation and research. According to knowledge institutes and the business community, investments in innovation ensure economic growth and more employment. These should also help keep up with developments in the US and China.

The Knowledge Coalition also says in an open letter that it is afraid that the increased Euro-sceptic attitude will cause some member states to only pay attention to traditional policy areas, such as the common agricultural policy. "A modernization of the budget is required, with a stronger emphasis on innovation," the knowledge coalition states. The Netherlands is a net recipient of EU innovation programs and, at 3.3 billion euros, receives one and a half times as much as it contributes.