Beleidsevaluatie Eureka instrumenten
Date de publication : 24 mars 2026 | langue de rapport : NL
The Eureka instruments play a distinctive and strategic role within the Dutch innovation policy landscape by fostering international R&D collaboration. They provide companies, particularly SMEs, with access to international knowledge, partners and markets that would otherwise be difficult to reach. The evaluation shows that the instruments effectively support the acceleration of innovation projects and the strengthening of international networks, positioning them as a valuable component of the broader innovation ecosystem.
Their impact is most evident in collaboration and R&D outcomes: firms increase research efforts, build lasting international partnerships and enhance their innovation capacity. Economic effects such as turnover growth are less immediate and tend to materialise over time. While the instruments are broadly efficient in design and delivery, there is scope to strengthen strategic steering, improve alignment with other instruments and better sustain collaboration outcomes.
Key takeaways:
- Unique bridging role in the ecosystem: Eureka combines international collaboration with R&D funding, addressing a clear gap in the policy mix.
- Strong boost to international collaboration: Firms gain access to knowledge, technology and networks, enabling durable partnerships.
- Acceleration and strengthening of R&D: Innovations are developed faster and at greater scale, often with increased ambition.
- Limited short-term economic impact: Revenue and productivity gains emerge later, reflecting the pre-market nature of projects.
- Scope for strategic improvement: Better alignment with policy priorities, follow-up of collaborations and reduced administrative burden can enhance impact.
