London, United Kingdom – March 15, 2026 – A bold proposal is gaining traction in the Netherlands that could reshape the country’s approach to long-term investment and innovation. Jeroen Dijsselbloem, former President of the Eurogroup, and Theo Henrar, are advocating for the creation of a fresh National Investment Institution (NII) funded with a substantial €10 billion, with a significant portion potentially sourced from the proceeds of a sale of the Dutch transmission system operator, TenneT. This initiative comes amid concerns that the Dutch government is underinvesting in crucial areas like research, start-ups, and the scaling of new technologies, potentially hindering the nation’s economic competitiveness.
The plan, detailed in reports from De Telegraaf, aims to address a perceived gap in the availability of risk-tolerant, long-term capital. Dijsselbloem and Henrar argue that a dedicated investment institution is necessary to support projects that may not immediately yield profits but hold significant potential for future economic growth and societal benefit. The proposal is being framed as a policy recommendation to secure more structural investment in innovation in the short term.
The Case for a National Investment Institution
The Netherlands, long recognized for its innovative spirit and strong economy, faces increasing competition in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The proponents of the NII contend that relying solely on private investment can be insufficient to fund projects with long gestation periods or high levels of technological risk. These are often the exceptionally projects that drive disruptive innovation and create new industries. The NII would be designed to fill this void, providing patient capital to ventures that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
“The current investment climate doesn’t adequately support the kind of long-term, high-risk projects that are essential for future economic growth,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a specialist in innovation economics at the University of Amsterdam, who was not directly involved in the proposal. “A dedicated institution with a clear mandate to prioritize long-term value creation could be a game-changer.”
The proposed funding mechanism – leveraging the potential sale of TenneT – is particularly noteworthy. TenneT, a major player in the European electricity transmission network, has seen its investment needs surge in recent years, driven by the energy transition and the need to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy sources. In 2024, TenneT invested €10.6 billion in grid expansion projects across the Netherlands and Germany, a 38% increase from the previous year, according to the company’s annual report. Further investment is expected, with the company investing a total of €14.8 billion in Dutch and German grids in 2025, with €4.9 billion allocated to the Netherlands, as reported by BNR.
TenneT’s Role and the Potential Sale
The idea of partially or fully selling TenneT has been debated for some time. The Dutch government currently owns TenneT, but there’s growing pressure to attract private investment to accelerate the necessary grid upgrades. A sale could generate substantial revenue, and Dijsselbloem and Henrar argue that a significant portion of these proceeds should be earmarked for the NII. This approach would effectively recycle capital from essential infrastructure into broader innovation initiatives.
However, the prospect of selling TenneT is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on grid security, affordability, and the long-term strategic interests of the Netherlands. Some argue that a private owner might prioritize short-term profits over long-term infrastructure investments. These concerns will likely be central to the debate as the government considers its options.
Impact on the Dutch Economy and Innovation Ecosystem
If established, the NII could have a far-reaching impact on the Dutch economy. By providing a dedicated source of funding for innovative projects, it could stimulate entrepreneurship, attract foreign investment, and create high-skilled jobs. The institution could focus on a range of sectors, including renewable energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
The NII could as well play a crucial role in reducing the Netherlands’ reliance on foreign financiers. Currently, many Dutch start-ups and scale-ups rely on venture capital from the United States and other countries. While this foreign investment is welcome, it can also create dependencies and potentially lead to the loss of intellectual property. A strong domestic investment institution could help to retain more value within the Dutch economy.
Key Areas of Potential Investment
- Deep Tech Start-ups: Providing seed and Series A funding for companies developing cutting-edge technologies.
- Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Supporting the development of new renewable energy projects and grid modernization initiatives.
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences: Investing in research and development of new drugs, therapies, and medical devices.
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Funding projects that leverage AI and data analytics to solve complex problems.
- Circular Economy Initiatives: Supporting companies that are developing innovative solutions for waste reduction, recycling, and resource management.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, the creation of the NII faces several challenges. One key issue is ensuring that the institution is managed effectively and operates independently from political interference. It will be crucial to establish a clear investment mandate, transparent decision-making processes, and a strong governance structure.
Another challenge is attracting and retaining top investment talent. The NII will need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract experienced professionals with a proven track record of successful investing. It will also need to foster a culture of innovation and risk-taking.
the success of the NII will depend on its ability to collaborate effectively with other stakeholders in the Dutch innovation ecosystem, including universities, research institutions, and private sector companies. Building strong partnerships will be essential to maximize the impact of the institution’s investments.
Next Steps and Timeline
The proposal for the NII is currently under consideration by the Dutch government. A formal decision on whether to proceed with the plan is expected in the coming months. If approved, the process of establishing the institution and securing funding could grab several years. The timeline will likely be influenced by the progress of any potential sale of TenneT and the broader political and economic context.
The debate surrounding the NII highlights the growing recognition of the need for proactive government intervention to support long-term innovation and economic growth. As the Netherlands navigates a rapidly changing world, the creation of a dedicated investment institution could prove to be a crucial step in securing its future prosperity.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on this developing story. We encourage you to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.