Core Viewpoint - The Netherlands plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor industry, with 85% of chips designed, developed, and produced using Dutch semiconductor equipment, highlighting its leadership in this sector [2][4]. Group 1: The Role of the Netherlands - The Netherlands has a significant semiconductor ecosystem with an annual revenue of nearly €30 billion and approximately 60,000 employees [4]. - Key areas of expertise in the Netherlands include chip machine manufacturing, chip design, and packaging, with companies like NXP leading in automotive, security, and connectivity semiconductors [4]. - The collaboration between industry, knowledge institutions, and government is a key factor in the Netherlands' success, fostering innovation across different disciplines [4][5]. Group 2: Investment and Innovation - The Dutch government and private sector have invested €46 million in semiconductor-related projects since 2021, supporting public-private partnerships [5]. - The establishment of the Dutch Semiconductor Board aims to create a joint agenda for the semiconductor industry until 2035, involving major companies and government collaboration [5]. Group 3: European Semiconductor Landscape - The formation of the European Semiconductor Alliance by nine countries, including the Netherlands, aims to enhance Europe's position in the global semiconductor value chain [7]. - Europe's share of global chip sales has drastically decreased from one-third to less than 10%, attributed to insufficient investment in new technologies [7]. - The need for Europe to invest in its semiconductor industry is emphasized due to the critical shortage of raw materials and the importance of maintaining technological autonomy [7]. Group 4: Domestic Challenges - The Netherlands invests 2.23% of its GDP in innovation, which is lower than neighboring countries like Germany, Belgium, and Sweden [8]. - ASML plans to invest €4.3 billion in R&D in 2024, representing about 15% of its total revenue, underscoring the importance of continuous innovation for maintaining competitiveness [8]. - Practical challenges such as nitrogen emission regulations and physical space for semiconductor companies need to be addressed to foster growth in this sector [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Netherlands must accelerate investments in the semiconductor industry to maintain its competitive edge amid increasing international competition and geopolitical tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Importance of Semiconductors - Semiconductors are essential for modern technologies, including electric vehicles, medical devices, artificial intelligence, and defense systems [2]. - The Netherlands plays a critical role in the semiconductor supply chain but is becoming overly dependent on other countries for key value chain components [2]. Group 2: Beethoven Plan - The "Beethoven Plan" involves a joint investment of €2.51 billion from the government, regional authorities, and industry to enhance the semiconductor business environment [2]. - The plan focuses on the Brainport region, which includes key players like ASML and aims to create 62,000 new housing units and improve infrastructure by 2030 [2]. - A talent development initiative aims to train 38,000 skilled professionals by 2030, with an investment of €450 million and ongoing annual funding of €80 million [2]. Group 3: European Semiconductor Coalition - The urgency for action extends beyond the Netherlands, as the European Semiconductor Coalition was formed with eight other EU member states to enhance Europe's position in the global semiconductor value chain [3]. - The coalition aims to increase local chip production, as Europe currently holds only about 10% of the global semiconductor sales market [3]. Group 4: International Cooperation and Security - The Netherlands is fostering collaborations with countries like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA in areas such as innovation and talent exchange [5]. - Stricter export controls on advanced chip manufacturing equipment have been implemented to prevent misuse for military purposes [5]. Group 5: National Innovation Capability - A broad coalition of 64 semiconductor companies in the Netherlands has proposed the "ChipNL" innovation plan, focusing on chip design, advanced packaging, and production equipment [6]. - The plan seeks government co-funding to enhance the country's semiconductor capabilities and is closely aligned with national defense objectives [6]. Group 6: Semiconductor Industry Blueprint - The Netherlands will establish the "Semicon Board Netherlands" in early 2025 to create a development blueprint for the semiconductor industry aimed at 2035 [7]. - The Minister emphasizes the need for immediate action to maintain the country's creativity, strategic autonomy, and economic resilience [7].