Draft:Netherlands Innovation Network

The Netherlands Innovation Network (IA Network) is a global initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs aimed at promoting Dutch science, technology, and innovation internationally. Established in 1953, the IA Network is part of the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), that falls under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. While its headquarter is located at RVO, the network comprises international teams spread across sixteen leading knowledge economies. These teams are led by innovation attachés and are based at Dutch embassies and consulates-general in countries such as China, Germany, France, India, Japan, and the United States.

Scope of Work

The Dutch government views international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation as vital for the future economic competitiveness of the Netherlands and for tackling major societal challenges. The IA Network aligns with the priorities of the key innovation and industry policies of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, including the National Technology Strategy and the Growth Market Analysis. It advances the international objectives of mission-driven innovation policies by fostering new public-private partnerships with leading foreign partners in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy materials, image processing, cybersecurity, photonics and quantum technology. Innovation Attachés are stationed in key innovation-driven economies where the Dutch government, alongside knowledge-intensive businesses and research institutions, has a strong strategic interest. Currently, Innovation Attachés are located in Brazil (São Paulo), Canada (Toronto), China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai), Taiwan (Taipei), Germany (Berlin and Munich, also accredited for Switzerland), France (Paris), India (New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai), Japan (Tokyo), Singapore, Turkey (Istanbul), the United Kingdom (London), the United States (Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco), South Korea (Seoul), and Sweden (Stockholm). Some of the key functions of the network include: • Identifying trends in science, technology, innovation, and research and development (R&D) in both developed and emerging knowledge economies. • Establishing innovative networks between Dutch and foreign companies as well as research institutions. • Facilitating collaborations between Dutch and international innovative businesses and research entities. • Promoting formal partnerships with leading global knowledge institutions and innovative companies. • Organizing innovation missions and delegations. • Advocating for Dutch interests through economic diplomacy with national and regional governments abroad.

History

The precursor to the IA Network, known as the Technical Scientific Attaché (TWA) Network, was established in 1953. In the aftermath of World War II, the Dutch government recognized a pressing need to engage internationally with scientific and technological developments and foster collaboration. The first TWA was stationed in the United States, specifically in Washington, D.C. Ten years later, another TWA was assigned to the Dutch embassy in Tokyo as Japan's rapid technological and economic growth began to gain prominence. Following this, additional TWAs were established in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, China, Finland, Singapore, and South Korea.

In 2008, following a policy evaluation, a strategic shift occurred. It was determined that, in various European countries, maintaining a TWA was no longer necessary due to strong EU research and development (R&D) cooperation. However, TWA’s remained in Germany and France, while the network expanded into emerging knowledge economies. The presence in China was enhanced (now encompassing Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou), and new attachés were deployed to India, Taiwan, Russia, Brazil, and Turkey. In the United States, the network expanded to include Boston, and Munich was added as a new location in Germany. Policy engagement with the Ministry of Economic Affairs was strengthened, and the decision was made to rename the TWA’s as Innovation Attachés, highlighting their explicit focus on promoting innovation. The primary objective was to advance Dutch technology, services, and production processes in collaboration with leading innovative companies and research institutions abroad.

Over the years, the remit of the IA Network has broadened to encompass economic security and resilience, energy and resource supply, innovative healthcare, and cooperation in climate and green growth.


References

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Adviesraad voor Wetenschap, Technologie en Innovatie: WTI-diplomatie, offensief voor internationalisering van Wetenschap, Technologie en Innovatie, Den Haag 2017 (2e druk 2024)

Global Innovation Index 2023 (WIPO/Cornell/INSEAD)

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