The Dutch manufacturing industry is under significant pressure. Without accelerated deployment of robotization and automation, the Netherlands risks losing its position as a production country within ten years. This is stated by TNO in a recent analysis.
Growing gap
The Netherlands currently has 264 robots per 10,000 employees and ranks 12th worldwide. In comparison, countries such as South Korea, China and Germany range between 400 and more than 1,000 robots per 10,000 employees. At the same time, productivity growth is lagging, while pressure on the sector is increasing due to aging, labor shortages and rising labor costs.
According to TNO, productivity in the Dutch manufacturing industry must increase by at least 50 percent to maintain its international competitive position.
The sector accounts for approximately 7 percent of gross domestic product and plays a key role in the Netherlands’ earning capacity. Without intervention, not only economic growth is at risk, but also the financing of societal transitions and national security.
Time is running out
The consequences of inaction are already visible in the short term. Within two years, labor shortages will lead to higher costs and inefficient production processes. Within five years, outdated production lines will result in a structural disadvantage. In the longer term, irreversible damage is expected, such as factory closures, job losses and increasing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Robotization as a direct solution
Investing in robotization delivers concrete benefits. Robots can operate longer and more consistently than human labor, resulting in higher output and lower costs. In addition, they improve product quality by reducing errors.
Through the integration of AI, robots are becoming more flexible and intelligent. They are easier to program and better suited for complex production environments, such as high-mix-low-volume manufacturing.
These developments are also a key theme at Maintenance NEXT, where innovations in automation, robotics and smart maintenance come together.
Mark Courage, Director Smart Industry at TNO, states: "Robotization is not a luxury, but a prerequisite to preserve our manufacturing industry. Only then can the Netherlands remain a maker rather than becoming a dependent buyer.”
Call for a national approach
To accelerate the necessary transition, TNO calls for a national robotization agenda. This should include clear long-term objectives and be overseen by a central taskforce.
Key recommendations:
- Awareness and knowledge sharing
- Standardization and ecosystem strengthening
- Education and labor market
- International positioning
- Acceleration for SMEs
Conclusion
The message from TNO is clear. Without rapid and large-scale deployment of robotization, the Netherlands will lose its manufacturing industry. With targeted investments and collaboration, there is still an opportunity to reverse this trend.