Growing solutions: How the Dutch Topsector approach fosters innovation

The Top Sector Horticulture & Propagation Materials (T&U) in the Netherlands aims to be a global leader in providing solutions for societal challenges related to horticulture, food, and the green environment. This ambition is realized through a collaborative effort involving the business community, knowledge institutions, and the government. Since its inception in 2012, the T&U Top Sector has funded over 250 research and innovation projects, engaging around 400 companies in the process. The overarching goal is to create a climate-proof, water-robust, sustainable, healthy, and safe Netherlands.

A Unified Approach to Knowledge and Innovation

The  Topsector T&U promotes the advancement and implementation of knowledge and innovation in the 'blue-green' domain, which includes agriculture, water, and food, through public-private initiatives. Financial support is provided for projects that align with interconnected themes such as energy, circularity, healthcare, agriculture, water, food, and safety. The key objectives in this domain are to ensure a vital rural area, resilient natural values, and a climate-proof Netherlands where water and soil policies lead the way. The agricultural and food systems aim to be both ecologically and economically sustainable and healthy, while ensuring the safety of deltas and large bodies of water.
The Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Agriculture, Water, and Food
Topsector T&U, along with ministries, companies, knowledge institutions, and social organizations, has developed the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Agriculture, Water, and Food (KIA-AWF) for 2024-2027. This agenda outlines the new knowledge and innovations needed in the blue-green domain and aims to stimulate, initiate, and support research and innovation over the next few years.

Opportunities for Collaboration and Innovation

The KIA-AWF serves as a guide for established businesses, start-ups, knowledge institutions, and policymakers, providing information on areas where the Netherlands aims to develop. It invites contributions through collaborative projects and initiatives, supported by financial backing from the national government. Major opportunities await in all blue-green sectors, and achieving these goals requires a shared perspective and investment from companies, governments, and knowledge organizations.
Ministries, the business community, knowledge institutions, and social organizations in the blue-green domain are jointly formulating goals for numerous challenging knowledge and innovation programs. These programs are committed to broadly defined missions in six areas:

1. Nature
2. Agriculture and horticulture
3. Area planning and water
4. Food
5. The North Sea and large bodies of water
6. Safe deltas

Key technologies that can be deployed across multiple blue-green sectors are also being identified. The agenda encourages cooperation in every area and supports private investments with public resources, providing additional earning opportunities for various economic sectors and the Netherlands as a whole.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

A crucial aspect of the agenda is the proper sharing of newly developed knowledge. Collaboration with the education sector and the business community ensures that innovations are applied in practice by well-trained professionals. The process requires interaction between scientific disciplines and between these disciplines and businesspeople, citizens, and government authorities. This collaborative approach leads to the right questions being asked and new knowledge reflecting practical needs.

International Cooperation and Financial Instruments

International cooperation with partners within and outside the EU is essential. The Netherlands leads the world with its cutting-edge green-blue expertise, and collaboration promotes the seamless integration of Dutch innovation into European networks and global sustainability initiatives.
The Topsctor uses the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda to promote cooperation at different stages of knowledge and innovation development. Various initiatives support discovery and understanding, development and experimentation, and demonstration and implementation projects. These efforts ensure that innovations are ready for market introduction and practical application, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future.

In summary, the Top Sector Horticulture & Propagation Materials exemplifies the Netherlands' commitment to innovation and sustainability. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, the sector aims to address global societal challenges and create a better future for all.