Netherlands lags behind in artificial intelligence

The Netherlands is falling short in its investments in technological innovation. By doing so, we risk falling behind in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), says TNO top executive Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi to AD (in Dutch).

According to Tjin-A-Tsoi, the Netherlands has invested several hundred million euros in AI in recent years. However, compared to countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, the Netherlands lags behind. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will invest $40 billion in AI. Interestingly, tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet and Apple individually invest more than the Netherlands as a whole.

The research organization’s executive notes that large research institutions, such as Philips’, have largely disappeared. Although Philips still comfortably leads the list of inventors, with the medical technology company behind 1 out of 5 Dutch applications for European patents, the concern also made solid cuts in basic research last year, losing hundreds of Dutch jobs.

ASML, NXP and VDL are thriving companies, born out of Philips, in whole or in part. However, the promising “stars” of tomorrow have yet to rise. For years it has been noted in the Brainport region that foreign superpowers are investing billions in artificial intelligence, while the Netherlands is not making enough speed to keep up.