Research: Dutch people embrace hightech, but don’t know the companies behind it
New NXTGEN Hightech research shows strong public support, but lack of visibility. 'Sector needs to step out of the shadows.'
Eindhoven, September 4, 2026 – New research commissioned by NXTGEN Hightech shows that the Dutch high-tech sector can count on broad support, but remains largely unknown to many people. "We need to better show what high-tech means and delivers for the Netherlands," said board member Arnaud de Jong.
A large majority of the Dutch (75 percent) call the high-tech sector important or very important for the Netherlands. They value the sector mainly for its contribution to future prosperity, economic growth, and technological independence.
Yet, almost half of the Dutch (49 percent) cannot spontaneously name any high-tech company. Those who do mostly mention ASML and Philips, followed by foreign names like Apple, Samsung, and Google. This is according to research by Markteffect, conducted on behalf of NXTGEN Hightech.
In addition, 65 percent state that they have not heard, seen, or read anything about the Dutch high-tech sector recently, and only a quarter (25 percent) feel well-informed about developments in the sector.
The research also shows that Dutch people who are better informed are more likely to see the importance of the sector. Of the Dutch who are professionally involved with the sector, 57 percent feel well-informed; among those without ties, it is 15 percent. These groups also differ significantly in their judgment: 93 to 71 percent find the sector important for the Netherlands, and 78 to 37 percent are proud of the Dutch contribution to the high-tech industry.
Innovation policy
This limited visibility is striking because high-tech plays a major role in the Dutch economy and is increasingly mentioned in discussions about earning capacity, strategic autonomy, and public investments in innovation.
For instance, the Wennink report warned at the end of last year that the Netherlands needs to invest between 151 and 187 billion euros extra towards 2035 to remain economically competitive and keep public services affordable. On Budget Day, the government makes new choices about such investments.
There is support for these choices according to the research. Seven out of ten Dutch people (70 percent) believe that without high-tech, the Netherlands will become dependent on technology from other countries, and half (51 percent) think that the government should do more to strengthen the sector, even with taxpayers' money.
High-tech includes sectors such as semiconductor equipment, medical technology, energy, defense, and advanced machine systems. The sector is considered the largest net exporter of the country and accounts for about six percent of the Dutch GDP.
Challenge for the sector
According to De Jong, who is also managing director at TNO alongside his board role at NXTGEN Hightech, the research mainly shows that the public support for high-tech is greater than commonly thought.
"From faster hospital diagnostics to eavesdropping-free communication: our future depends on technology that remains invisible to most. Therefore, the sector must step out of the shadows. Without sufficient public support for innovation, the Netherlands risks its future competitive position and independence."