Top sectors

Definition

The top sectors are the economic sectors on which Dutch innovation policy concentrates, such as high-tech, life sciences & health, agri & food and energy. The idea behind this policy is that targeted collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutions and government within these sectors strengthens the Netherlands' innovative capacity and competitive position. Schemes such as MIT (SME innovation stimulation for Regions and Top Sectors) are explicitly geared towards innovation within the top sectors and their associated missions: SMEs qualify if their project aligns with a top sector and its related societal challenges. Targeted calls within a top sector, such as the MKB High-Tech call run by Holland High Tech for industrial research into key technologies, also show how top-sector policy works in practice: budgets and focus areas are tailored to specific domains within a top sector. For the WBSO, alignment with a top sector is not a requirement — that scheme assesses each R&D project on its own technical novelty and uncertainty, regardless of sector. If you want to know whether your company qualifies for top-sector-linked subsidies such as the MIT, it is therefore important to first determine which top sector and mission your project fits.

Frequently asked questions

Which top sectors does the Netherlands have?

Dutch innovation policy focuses on a set of fixed top sectors, including high-tech, life sciences & health, agri & food and energy.

Does my company need to fall within a top sector to get a subsidy?

For top-sector-linked schemes such as the MIT, yes, since these target innovation within the top sectors and their missions; for the WBSO, the top sector plays no role.

What's the connection between the top sectors and the MIT scheme?

The MIT (SME innovation stimulation for Regions and Top Sectors) is specifically designed to stimulate SME innovation within the top sectors and their missions.