CIIP contributes to UK-Netherlands dialogue on industrial policy

On Tuesday 11 February, UK Deputy Ambassador Keith Allan hosted a high-level panel event exploring the opportunities for collaboration between the UK and the Netherlands in the development of industrial policy. The event at the British Embassy in The Hague, which brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, served as a platform for bilateral exchange focused on securing economic growth through strategic industrial policy.

Centre for Industrial Innovation and Policy (CIIP) was proud to contribute to this crucial discussion, with Dr. Carlos López-Gómez delivering a keynote address on global trends in manufacturing and industrial policy. His insights underscored the increasing importance of industrial strategy in shaping resilient and competitive economies, particularly in light of shifting global dynamics.

With the UK set to publish its new Industrial Strategy in Spring 2025, Carlos chaired a panel discussion centered on identifying opportunities for enhanced UK-Netherlands collaboration. As both nations seek to foster scale-ups and improve access to international markets, international cooperation will play a vital role in shaping effective industrial policies.

The panel featured experts, including:

• Andrew Parry, Head of Innovation Policy and Service Sectors for the upcoming UK Industrial Strategy
• Wolf Zwartkruis, Lead Strategist on Industrial Policy at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy
• Heba Bevan, OBE, Chair of the Netherlands-British Chamber of Commerce
• Professor Gregory Thwaites, Research Director at the Resolution Foundation
• Willem Wensing, Director of Public Affairs at FME

As industrial policy continues to evolve, fostering dialogue between leading economies will be critical in driving sustainable economic growth and innovation. CIIP looks forward to further engagements that shape the future of industrial strategy on an international scale.