SMEs do not benefit enough from knowledge & research

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Seizing opportunities with knowledge

That is the conclusion of the AWTI in their advisory report 'Kansen pakken met kennis' [Seizing opportunities with knowledge] (in Dutch). The Advisory council for science technology and innovation (AWTI) advises several targeted measures that will result in researchers and entrepreneurs being brought together more often and collaborating more easily. The various needs of entrepreneurs should be taken into account more, especially the needs of SMEs.

‘New knowledge is desperately needed to keep the economy healthy and to solve societal challenges’, says Jos Benschop, council member of the AWTI. ‘Internationally, Dutch knowledge institutions are at the forefront of research. But only a small percentage of entrepreneurs knows how to benefit from this. That is a missed opportunity. The Netherlands trails behind its neighbours when it comes to the application of knowledge.’

‘The exchange of knowledge between researchers and entrepreneurs could be better’, continues Benschop. ‘In this advisory report, the AWTI advances proposals for measures that will bring entrepreneurs and researchers together more often and simplify their collaborations. At present, that does not proceed equally well in all cases. That is because, amongst other things, the current policy is not sufficiently in tune with the various needs of entrepreneurs, especially those of SMEs.’

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