Robotization not a danger according to 90 percent of industrial companies

'More than 90% of Dutch industrial companies are positive about the changes that digitalization and robotization bring. More than half (53%) expect that the nature of work will change, but that employment will remain the same. One in five even thinks that employment will increase as a result.' This is evident from a survey among entrepreneurs from Dutch industry on the occasion of the third Day of Industry, which will take place on Monday 10 September.

Dutch industrial companies have a strong position worldwide. The industry expects to be able to expand this position by investing in the coming years, particularly in new products and services (85%), new personnel and training (65%) and energy saving (55%). Some 60% sees the sustainability of products and processes as a top priority. The latter involves a wide range of interventions from further energy saving to the realisation of energy-efficient products, reuse of raw materials and CO2 reduction.

Shortages of good people hinder growth

The most important factors that hinder growth are the shortage of well-trained personnel (80%) and the regulations in the Netherlands (65%). The labor market regulations in particular are experienced as restrictive. Two out of five entrepreneurs also mention the lack of a level playing field or unfair competition as a threat.

Cabinet must make additional efforts on education and innovation.

The cabinet's industrial policy gets a pass (55%) but this can be greatly improved by giving much more priority to education and innovation, according to the respondents. The labor market and regulatory pressure follow as areas where steps must be taken.

Backgrounds industry

Industry accounts for 12% of our GDP (only trade scores higher with 14%). If we add suppliers and customers to this, industry is related to around 20% of our GDP – the highest of all sectors. Agriculture in particular is strongly intertwined with industry. But so is our service sector (employment agencies, banks, consultants, etc.). Around two million people have direct or indirect employment thanks to industry and around 60% of our own produced exports concern industrial goods.

Source: VNO/NCW and MKB Nederland