a quarter of companies want to leave the Netherlands
Especially the government conditions make the Netherlands less attractive for companies and entrepreneurs
This is evident from research by the University of Amsterdam and research agency SEO for the annual innovation monitor, which will be published on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the two polled the tribes at 712 companies — large, across industries and across the country.
In recent weeks it has already become clear that the Netherlands has long ceased to be a promised tech country, but the cabinet and municipalities such as Amsterdam do speak highly of the flourishing climate for internet entrepreneurs and tech companies. Among other payment company Mollie indicated consider partly moving abroad. Tech investor Flow Traders will do the same. That will move its headquarters to Bermuda.
Strict standards
It turns out that the discord is not only bothering the forerunners in the enterprising Netherlands. Only just half of the contracting companies and entrepreneurs do not think about moving at all. 23 percent have plans to leave the Netherlands entirely. Last year, gigantic Shell and Unilever, among others, decided to exchange our country for Great Britain, partly because of the strict standards here.
Disagreements about Dutch economic policy are growing. One in three entrepreneurs believes that the business climate has deteriorated in recent years. The motivation for this, says UVA professor of strategy and innovation Henk Volberda. “From cost benefits, access to talent and customers to business.” The good infrastructure, the presence of suitable personnel and the quality of life in the Netherlands are invariably high, although in the latter case this is under considerable pressure due to the shortage on the labor market.
Foreign companies and Dutch multinationals are more negative about the development of the business climate than organizations that are only active in the Netherlands. Also because they are often deeply rooted here.
Innovation restored
According to the Innovation Monitor, the innovative power of the Dutch business community has returned to its former level after a dip in 2019 and 2020. Especially developing new technologies and applications higher than ever.
Volberda: “The recovery from the corona crisis, climate transition and the war may have forced Russia and Ukraine to look for new products, markets and sales channels.”