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This publication contains an introductory chapter, fi ve chapters based on statistical data
and a concluding chapter that discusses a number of special subjects in greater depth.
Based on the order of the chapters, this summary specifi es the publication’s key fi ndings
in each subject area.
Introduction
In a knowledge economy, knowledge is invested in through research and education. By
enabling the development of new products or processes, innovation makes it possible to
secure a competitive advantage over other market players. Dutch government policy is
strongly oriented towards achieving a competitive knowledge economy and making the
Netherlands one of the leading European countries in this regard. This aim must be
achieved by translating knowledge into new products and services on a larger scale. The
rate of increase of R&D expenditure and ICT investments lagged behind economic growth
in the past decade, however. The national target is for R&D expenditure to amount to
2.5 percent of GDP by 2020. Within the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy, the
European Commission’s target is 3 percent of GDP in the EU. Key spearheads of Dutch
knowledge policy are a focus on the innovative capacity of economically leading sectors
and the further development of the broadband network.
This publication is based on a model in which knowledge development, fl ows and products
are central. This model describes the roles of ICT, R&D, innovation and knowledge, as well
as the roles of parties that are active in these areas, in the economy and society.
Developments in the Netherlands are frequently compared with those in other countries.
The publication series consists of an annually recurring core section on ICT and a rotating
section on R&D and innovation. The chapters in this fi rst edition deal with, respectively,
the supply and use of telecommunications, ICT users (companies and households), R&D
and people’s knowledge potential. The closing chapter discusses a number of specifi c
subjects in greater depth. The publication also describes the interrelationships between
the various domains discussed.