Current GreenTech trends in the Netherlands and why you should make the move
By Diego Baynes
Looking closely into GreenTech trends in the Netherlands, it is a country that we often associate with great cheeses, large plains of tulips as far as the eyes can see, extremely friendly people and most recently – its world status as being the third most innovative country to pioneer Green Technology.
Key GreenTech trends in the Netherlands
- Increase in corporate social responsibility
- Solar and wind energy
- EV and future mobility
- AgriTech
Increase in Corporate Social Responsibility
Due to an increase in social behaviours, policies and regulations from the European Commission, more and more companies are now incorporating CSR Strategies within their ethos to aid in the fight against real-life issues.
Solar and Wind Energy
The Netherlands is now a key Technology Hub, which means that the demand for technologists have grown at an exponential rate, where supply is struggling to keep up and companies having to out-source or employ talent overseas.
Holland also boasts the largest offshore wind farms and largest floating solar energy park within Europe and are well on their way of holding up their commitment to providing 50% of the energy through renewable sources by 2025.
EV and Future Mobility
The Netherlands is one of the world’s leading EV Markets both in Europe and globally.
According to the ICCT, 21% of all newly registered cars were battery electric vehicles and 4% were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – this was certainly a knock-on effect from the progressive electric vehicle policies implanted over the past several years.
AgriTech
The world’s population is growing at an ever-increasing rate, coupled with the issue of the farming industry ageing out. The younger generation seem to be opting for life in the city, and with that comes heightened pressure to keep up with the demand for sufficient, taste and sustainably produced food.
However, the Dutch are looking to the future and preparing for it head-on by means of extremely innovative solutions to challenge the agriculture industry through the use of Data Science and Smart Technologies.
With the ability to monitor crop growth and diseases more efficiently and effectively than the human eye, robots and data systems are changing the game for the best. The Dutch boasts a high number of AI companies and universities such as Delft offer space for companies to explore new ideas in AI, creating an extremely innovative environment.
Why the Netherlands?
Tech Sector
A number of established household names have already pitched their global or EMEA headquarters in the Netherlands: Heineken, Tesla, Unilever, Nike, Netflix, ING, and Philips to name a few.
On a wider level, the tech industry makes up 14% of Amsterdam’s local workforce and the city was ranked fourth best global tech city in 2018.
Location
Great connections go hand in hand with language and diversity, and a multilingual workforce is certainly a formidable tool when trading across international borders; around 90% of Dutch residents speak English (and better English than most English people), for example.
Opening its own borders to bright-eyed tech entrepreneurs worldwide, the Netherlands has its own start-up Visa, created by the government to incentivise fresh business.
Diversity
Technicalities aside, the Netherlands manifests a culture of creativity that compliments the explorative nature of the Dutch people, as well as enticing tourists and new residents from all over the world.
Famed for its windmills, canals, and fine art (as a big art lover myself, I appreciate this!), the Netherlands is culturally rich and is an attractive place to settle down.
Culture
With this environment of creativity, the excellent links, and the government’s efforts to promote the start-up scene, the Netherlands acts as an ideal platform for tech companies to extend to a wider customer base.
Demand for tech professionals
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, for every 100 job seekers, there are around 133 jobs within the Dutch Tech space and from a technologist’ view, this means that there are several positions available, making this a candidate-led market.
After hearing about some of the GreenTech trends in the Netherlands – what are you waiting for?
Are you working in the CleanTech, GreenTech or SustainTech market? Contact us today to find out how we can help support your hiring needs in the Netherlands.
Alternatively, you can take a look at our latest GreenTech roles today. Make sure you also explore more about our IT & Technology recruitment services in The Netherlands!