Main political parties in favour of raising public R&D expenditure

Dutch parties united in support for extra funding—but differ on how to spend it

The major political parties of the Netherlands have spoken out in favour of increasing public spending on R&D in the run-up to the general election on 17 March.

In preparation for the vote, Research Professional News spoke to representatives of six different parties to hear their views on the R&D budget. Jan Paternotte of D66, a liberal party, endorses the joint wish of universities, research institutes and the employers’ organisation VNO-NCW for public R&D expenditure to be increased by at least €300 million a year over four years.