The Netherlands, Europe's hidden AI superpower

The Netherlands has a huge pool of AI talent, but it still has significant steps to take to secure its leadership position in Europe. Despite the high concentration of AI experts, the country also experiences a remarkably low acceptance of AI solutions among citizens. With an ambitious 8-point plan, Prosus, Dealroom.co, and Techleap aim to boost the Dutch AI sector, encompassing initiatives such as attracting top talent and launching AI ‘moonshots’. The future of the Netherlands as an ‘AI maker’ rather than an ‘AI taker’ is at stake.

The Dutch AI strength: talent and challenges

Despite representing only 2.8% of the European population, the Netherlands is home to no less than 8% of the total AI talent pool in Europe. This makes the Netherlands one of the most experienced AI hubs, with a median of 9.5 years of work experience among AI professionals. Moreover, the country is a magnet for international talent; 23% of AI professionals come from outside Europe. Amsterdam serves as the national AI center, where 37% of all Dutch AI talent is based, representing approximately 7,000 professionals. This makes Amsterdam the fifth-largest AI hub in Europe. However, despite these impressive figures, the Netherlands is struggling with a remarkable distrust of AI solutions, with only 43% of the population using AI on a semi-regular basis. This contrast between an abundance of talent and relative reluctance to adopt AI is a paradox that could hinder the further development of the AI ecosystem.

A roadmap for AI leadership

The 8-point plan presented by Prosus, Dealroom.co, and Techleap is an ambitious attempt to position the Netherlands as a leader in the European AI sector. This plan outlines specific actions in several key areas. First, the focus is on “AI sovereignty,” whereby the Netherlands must acquire an independent position in the field of AI technology. Additionally, the goal is to transform Amsterdam into a vibrant ‘AI hub’ that attracts top talent and investment. Attracting top talent is another critical priority, as is increasing the availability of growth capital for AI start-ups. Attracting large tech companies is also seen as essential for stimulating the AI ecosystem. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase awareness and acceptance of AI among the Dutch population. The launch of ambitious ‘moonshot’ projects should lead to groundbreaking innovations. Finally, the government plays a crucial role as a catalyst for innovation. By implementing these actions, the Netherlands can realize its potential as an AI superpower.

The need for collective ambition and investment

Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy at Techleap, emphasizes that the Dutch AI ecosystem is bursting with potential, but that this is not enough to win. Despite the presence of top talent, a tradition of scientific excellence, and a growing community of founders tackling societal challenges, there is not yet a coherent whole. Van Oranje argues for raising collective ambition by investing heavily in startups and a more connected national AI infrastructure, such as the national AI Giga Factory. Jelle Prins, co-founder of Cradle, warns that the Netherlands risks being unable to finance its welfare state if industries become dependent on AI developed in the US. He emphasizes that now is the time to invest heavily to gain control over this fundamental technology. These calls for action underscore the urgency of seizing the opportunities presented by the Dutch AI sector and addressing the challenges that hinder its successful development.

Jelle Prins, Cradle founder: 'I thought my peak had passed after leaving Uber'

He was Uber's first employee, developed the Corona alarm app, and founded startup Cradle. We spoke to Prins at TNW about Fingerspitzengefühl, fuck-ups, and entrepreneurship in Europe.

Read More

The Netherlands compared to other AI hubs

Although the Netherlands has a strong position in terms of AI talent, other European hubs outperform it in certain areas. For example, Amsterdam ranks eighth in Europe in terms of the AI startup ecosystem and is losing momentum compared to other cities.

The Netherlands also scores lower in terms of growth capital and scientific impact, ranking sixth in the Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2025. The country excels in specific vertical sectors, such as finance, food, and climate and energy, but lacks momentum in more general, popular AI applications. To gain a leading position, the Netherlands must not only focus on attracting talent but also on creating an attractive climate for AI startups and stimulating scientific research. By learning from successful AI hubs in Germany (Merantix), France (Station F), the United Kingdom (London AI Hub), Sweden (AI Sweden), and Switzerland (ETH AI Center), the Netherlands can further develop its unique approach.

The role of AI in the future economy

The shift from labor to AI models is redefining the economy, with value increasingly being created by intelligent algorithms. In this new paradigm, it is crucial to be an ‘AI shaper’ rather than an ‘AI taker’. This means that the Netherlands must not only implement AI technology, but also develop and shape it. By investing in AI education, research, and startups, the Netherlands can establish a competitive edge and become a key player in the future AI-driven economy. The Dutch government, businesses, and knowledge institutions must collaborate to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation in AI. Only in this way can the Netherlands maintain its prosperity and play a leading role in the digital transformation.