Research and Innovation background
The Netherlands has developed a comprehensive framework for research and innovation (R&I). This framework is underpinned by various strategic documents and policies that guide national efforts in enhancing transport systems and infrastructure. Key strategic document include:
- ITS-Plan the Netherlands 2013-2017: This plan provided a foundation for implementing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of transport networks through technology integration.
- National Policy Strategy for Infrastructure and Spatial Planning up to 2040: This document outlines a long-term vision for integrating transport infrastructure development with spatial planning, emphasising sustainable mobility solutions.
- Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030: This plan addresses the role of transport in achieving climate goals, focusing on reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy use across the sector.
- Public Transport in 2040: This document outlines a collaborative vision for the future of public transport, focusing on challenges, ambitions, and objectives. It provides a strategic framework for action among government entities, regions, and transport operators to improve public transport accessibility and sustainability.
- National Climate Agreement: This plan sets ambitious climate goals, including those relevant to the transport sector. It aims to promote sustainable transport options and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Netherlands' commitment to climate neutrality.
In addition to these documents, the Dutch government prioritises several “top sectors” critical for innovation. The top sectors include horticulture and propagation materials; agri-food; water; life sciences and health; chemicals; high tech; energy; logistics; and creative industries.
The government, private sector, universities and research centres are working together in the Top Sector Alliance for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) to make these top sectors, including transport across the multi-disciplinary categories, even stronger.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
The governance of R&I in the Netherlands involves several key organisations:
- Ministry of Education, Culture and Science: Responsible for higher education, science and basic research
- Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy: Responsible for application-oriented research and innovation.
- Dutch Research Council: Acts as an intermediary organisation to implement research policies and provide funding for a wide array of scientific research initiatives.
Advisory bodies involved in policy analysis and evaluation include:
- Advisory Council for Science and Technology Policy: Provides independent advice to the government on science and technology policy.
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences: Promotes research and advises on scientific issues.
- Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis: Conducts analyses to support evidence-based policymaking.
- Scientific Council for Government Policy: Provides strategic policy advice on major societal issues.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment is responsible for developing transport policy. The key themes for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment are knowledge, innovation and strategy and are developed in specific Directorates. This responsibility is shared by several Ministerial departments:
- Inspectorate for Transport, Public Works and Water Management
- Directorate General for Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs
- Directorate General for Mobility and Rijkswaterstaat.
The Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis also provides knowledge inputs for the preparation of mobility policy with the Ministry. The KiM programme 2023 presents an overview of the projects carried out by the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis. The projects collected can be categorised into nine different themes:
- Give direction to accessibility
- Developing sustainable mobility
- Urbanisation and housing
- Modalities and measures
- Digitalisation and innovation
- Uncertain future
- Considerations in times of scarcity
- Data and models
- Professionalising policy assessment
Different sources are available to fund transport research including public funds, dedicated transport research programmes, and international and EU programmes.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Several thematic funding sources, institutions and programmes are available in the Netherlands stimulating research on transport related topics, these include:
- The Netherlands Institute of Housing and Planning: Works to maintain and improve standards in planning policy and practice, including mobility and the contribution of mobility and infrastructure to the spatial debate.
- Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis: Carries out transport policy studies and analyses, which are used to strengthen the strategic knowledge base for policy-making.
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)- Reliable and Sustainable Mobility: Helps to develop new knowledge on mobility and logistics.
- Research Programme Dutch Research Agenda: Aims to build bridges between various scientific fields, between different types of research (fundamental, implied, practice-oriented) and between various national and international agendas.
- TRAIL: The Netherlands Research School for Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics: Dutch research school for Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics that trains PhD candidates and performs scientific and applied scientific research in the fields of mobility, transport, logistics, traffic, infrastructure and transport systems.
- Prorail: Focuses on infrastructure innovation, safety, and environmental impacts related to rail transport.
- SWOV: Institute for Road Safety Research: An interdisciplinary and independent scientific institute responsible for research on road safety and by doing so enhancing traffic safety.
- National Aerospace Centre (NLR): Supports the aerospace sector (governments, industry and users) by developing and applying advanced technologies for innovative products in a sustainable, safe, efficient and effective manner.
- CONNEKT: Public private innovation network for traffic and transport.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)