The Netherlands can—and does not have to—compete with the United States and China in the race to develop ever-larger and more expensive AI language models, nor should it seek to emulate that approach. This is evident from a new in-depth study by Invest-NL in collaboration with ROM-Nederland.Source: ROM NederlandThe study shows that the Netherlands is particularly strong in those parts of the AI value chain where high-quality data, energy-efficient technology, reliable infrastructure, and specialized knowledge are key factors. To capitalize on this position, however, investments and a robust AI industry policy are necessary.<a href="https://www.invest-nl.nl/nl/kennis-en-publicaties/ai-deep-dive-strategic-investing-in-the-age-of-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Read the full report here.</a>The study, written by AI expert Stefan Leijnen, analyzes how global AI development is shifting toward new energy-efficient hardware and new data streams and applications that are deeply embedded in physical processes and industrial data. According to the report, the Netherlands can distinguish itself internationally in these areas if it makes strategic choices now.“The next generation of AI isn’t about even larger language models, but about models that learn through sensors, robotics, and interaction with the real world. Those models will need to be energy-efficient and privacy-friendly,” says author Stefan Leijnen. “That’s where the opportunities lie for the Netherlands and Europe.”<h1>Dutch AI Opportunities in Sectors Where Data and Physical Processes Converge</h1>The deep dive shows that the Netherlands is strongly positioned where physical processes, high-quality data, and high adoption potential converge: agricultural technology, logistics, high-tech manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. In these sectors, AI applications are emerging that are difficult to replicate, run on protected data, and are integrated into the physical world.The report identifies opportunities for the Netherlands:<ul><li>Sectors with a physical component, unique data, and high adoption potential, such as science, high-tech manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, and agricultural technology.</li><li>New data streams and data markets, where the Netherlands can leverage its leading position in the field of responsible AI.</li><li>Energy-efficient AI hardware such as photonics and neuromorphic computing—areas in which European, and certainly Dutch, companies and research institutions are already recognized worldwide.</li></ul><h1>Less fragmentation, more scale, targeted investments</h1>The study advocates for an AI industrial policy that removes barriers and makes targeted investments where market forces alone fall short. This policy must focus on increasing access to capital for AI startups and scale-ups, with funding rounds of €20–30 million and more than €100 million for hardware and foundation models, combined with more intensive European cooperation to reduce fragmentation in investments, data, and infrastructure.In addition, the government must leverage public demand to accelerate adoption, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, energy, research, and security, and build public institutions that place vital data and digital infrastructure under democratic governance. Finally, the study advocates for research into a future-proof AI Gigafactory for edge AI, energy-efficient hardware, and privacy-conscious local computing power, as a strategic foundation for autonomous AI capacity in the Netherlands and Europe.<h1>Targeted Investments Support the Netherlands’ AI Strategy</h1>Invest-NL and ROM-Nederland emphasize that strategic investments are crucial right now to strengthen this position. “If the Netherlands chooses its own AI strategy, we can excel precisely in the areas where we are strong. Our investment policy will need to focus on larger investments in AI startups and hardware manufacturers, investing where the market falls short, and bringing parties together around a strategic long-term agenda. This in-depth analysis shows exactly where those opportunities lie.”The report illustrates that a Dutch AI strategy is not only economically sound but also essential for future security, autonomy, and the protection of European values. The AI deep dive follows previous Invest-NL publications on quantum computing, lab-on-a-chip, and semiconductors—all of which are key technologies within the National Technology Strategy. The deep dive series aims to demonstrate how and where targeted investments create strategic advantages for the Netherlands.Source: <a href="https://www.rom-nederland.nl/nederland-moet-inzetten-op-next-gen-en-energie-efficiente-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Netherlands Must Focus on Next-Gen and Energy-Efficient AI – ROM’s</a>

The Netherlands must focus on next-generation and energy-efficient AI