Innovating for the future? An external assessment of the future‐oriented governance of the Dutch innovation system

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the future‐orientation of the Dutch innovation system and formulate recommendations to improve it.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of in‐depth interviews with Dutch experts who are sufficiently independent to formulate relevant, interesting, and deviating opinions.

Findings

Dutch managers are quite reluctant to look at the future. They seem to favor the short term above the long term.

Research limitations/implications

Consulting additional experts might yield more and more validated results.

Practical implications

Dutch companies should do more about turning a future vision into concrete decisions and actions.

Social implications

It is necessary to appoint a specific Minister for Innovation and the Dutch government should support the entire innovation process and not just the beginning.

Originality/value

This is the first analysis of the future‐orientation of the Dutch innovation system.

Citation

van der Duin, P. and de Graaf, R. (2010), "Innovating for the future? An external assessment of the future‐oriented governance of the Dutch innovation system", Foresight, Vol. 12 No. 5, pp. 27-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636681011075696