Amsterdam, August 27, 2025 – In a worldwide benchmark of 32 countries, the Netherlands ranks sixth in terms of business climate for life sciences companies. The research was conducted by KPMG on behalf of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. Although the Netherlands scores highly on talent and infrastructure, it lags behind in investments in research and development (R&D) and the speed of market access for innovations. This threatens the position of the Netherlands as a leading innovation country.
“From this benchmark, it appears that the Netherlands has gold in its hands when it comes to the business climate for life sciences companies, but there are worrying developments concerning access to innovations for Dutch patients, and we need to invest more in R&D,” says Marc ter Haar, Executive Director at AmCham Netherlands. “Moreover, we see other countries making strong efforts to attract life sciences activities. That’s why this report is also a wake-up call. We should strive for a place in the top 3. Without successful long-term government policy, we will not further strengthen our position.”
Netherlands Risks Losing Ground While Europe Is Investing Heavily in Life Sciences
Currently, the Netherlands is attractive to innovative companies in healthcare and is among the leading countries. But the benchmark, which compares 32 countries worldwide – including the US, China, Switzerland, and Belgium – shows both strengths and essential areas for improvement for the sector’s future. Regarding market access, Dutch patients often miss out while their medicines and vaccines are available in neighboring countries. Other countries are also intensively investing in their life sciences ecosystems and offer better conditions for companies, so the Netherlands risks losing ground without targeted action.
Netherlands Scores Top 5 for Qualified Personnel and Digital Infrastructure
The KPMG report also highlights the presence of high-quality R&D facilities, renowned universities, and reliable logistics networks in the Netherlands as important attractions for companies. However, the foundation of the Dutch business climate is less robust than often assumed. To avoid falling behind, a change of course is necessary, and health should be considered a national top priority and a strategic investment in economic growth.
Investment Needed to Enter the Top 3 Life Sciences Countries
David Ikkersheim, Partner & Head of Strategy and Operations at KPMG: “The life sciences sector contributed €32 billion directly to the Dutch GDP in 2024 and employs 53,000 people. Although it is the smallest of the ten top sectors, the Netherlands has everything it takes to be a world leader. That’s a huge opportunity we shouldn't miss. Time for action.” According to Ikkersheim, it is highly important to integrate the European capital market to make more capital available for start-ups and scale-ups and to prevent a brain drain to the US.
Regional Collaboration as Key to Success
One of the report’s recommendations is to strengthen regional collaboration within the Netherlands. Hubs such as Leiden Bio Science Park, the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region, and Pivot Park Oss together form the beating heart of the Dutch life sciences sector. These regions combine knowledge institutions, innovative companies, and government in public-private partnerships that are crucial for innovation and growth. Bundling strengths and creating an integrated ecosystem can help the Netherlands achieve economies of scale and strengthen its international competitive position.
The report is being presented today to Noor Sanders, Director-General of Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, and Erwin Nijsse, Director-General of Business and Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
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