IO+ week: Business climate suffers from volatile policies
Every Sunday, our weekly review offers an overview of the most interesting stories around important innovations.
Published on March 2, 2025
As editor-in-chief, Aafke oversees all content and events but loves writing herself. She makes complex topics accessible and tells the stories behind technology.
This week, two Dutch tech companies, messaging service Bird and Kees Aarts, the CEO of Protix, announced that they are leaving the Netherlands. In an interview, Aarts said, "much more is possible in the United States. " Well, yes, everything is possible overseas. Early this week, Trump announced 25% import tariffs on European products.
But, it is also good to hold up a mirror to ourselves. European technology can strengthen our economy, but needs more funding and reforms, a new report from Dealroom.co underlines.
Elcke talked with Cees van Beers, a professor of innovation management at TU Delft. He warned, “We must be careful that the Dutch business climate does not suffer because of overregulation and a swabbing government policy.”
- Tech giant Bird leaves the Netherlands
- European tech has unprecedented chances–but action is needed
- “Dutch entrepreneurial climate suffers from inconsistent policy
Best efforts
Yet Europe is showing signs of wanting to change. For example, the new Competitive Compass was created to stimulate European innovation. With the Clean Industrial Deal, the EU frees up €100 billion to breathe new life into European industry. Think made-in-EU quotas, affordable energy, and revised electricity markets.
- Innovation at the forefront: Europe’s bid to boost competitiveness
- The Clean Industrial Deal is out: here is what you need to know
- European Clean Industrial Deal: 'own' green industries first
Clear policy: the key to both a thriving business climate and the green transition
As the latest installment of The Green Transition Drivers demonstrates, clear policy is the key to more than just a flourishing business climate. For this series, Mauro interviews entrepreneurs, scientists, and policymakers making the green transition a reality.
This week he spoke to Julia Bognar, head of land use and climate at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP): “Policy certainty is key to making the green transition possible. There is much uncertainty about meeting climate targets in Europe and worldwide. It is challenging to operate in this environment. We need clear targets.”
An overview of all episodes in this series can be found below:
Here’s other news we covered:
- Elcke’s What if… column: Anyone who paves their garden will receive a hefty fine!
- Mosa Meat raises much more money than expected
- Sleep soundly in your car? It's possible!
- Dutch businesses embrace AI like never before
- TU/e to invest €200 million for a new lab and cleanroom buildings
- Must read of the week: German election results: consequences for the EU
- Systematic thinkers are the engineers of the future
- Dutch startup Fortaegis reinvents AI chip security
- Why the whole world is anxiously awaiting the Nvidia figures
Happy Sunday, and enjoy carnival!
You can also find us on Bluesky and Mastodon.
Aafke Eppinga - editor-in-chief at IO+