Contributing to the public debate

Through our publications, we want to contribute to the public debate by sharing knowledge based on facts and figures. Therefore, we conduct research on important societal topics such as the energy transition and the business climate, and engage in discussions about these topics with our stakeholders.

Mapping developments in the business climate

We regularly conduct research on the business climate, as we recognise that it is under pressure and is part of the public debate. Through research, facts, and figures, we aim to contribute to a well-founded and nuanced discussion.

For the second consecutive year, we are examining the state of the Dutch business climate and how it compares to other countries using 65 indicators. Our Business Climate Heatmap reveals that the Dutch business climate has deteriorated once again since last year. The causes include a worsening political sentiment towards businesses, increased uncertainty in economic policy, and lower scores in the areas of the environment, budget policy, and international trade as a percentage of GDP. The heatmap also provides indicators for potential improvements. We have shared and discussed our findings with stakeholders, such as politicians and policymakers. 

Facts and the effects of legislation on executive organisations 

In 2023, we examined the productivity of fifty government executive organisations in the Netherlands. Between 2015 and 2022, we found that their productivity lagged behind that of the business sector by 14 percentage points. In light of our findings, the parliament requested the Court of Audit to conduct additional research. During our discussions with various executive organisations, they highlighted the rapidly increasing regulatory burden as a significant explanation for this decline. Consequently, we decided to conduct further research. This investigation confirmed that executive organisations are facing 147% more rules, 88% more exceptions per rule, and 105% more interconnectivity of rules. We have shared these findings with politicians and policymakers.

Competitive position of energy-intensive industry in Northwestern Europe 

Together with the World Energy Council, we have conducted research over the past two years into the competitive position of the industry in Northwestern Europe. This industry is facing significant challenges: production is declining and factories are shutting down.

The 2024 report indicates that energy costs are considerably higher than in other regions such as the Middle East and the USA. However, this does not necessarily mean that industrial companies will leave our region. There are indeed opportunities, but policymakers must act swiftly. We presented this report to the then Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate.

In the 2025 research, we outlined four future scenarios for 2040 based on three themes: economic impact, environmental effects, and strategic autonomy. We also provide concrete recommendations to policymakers, such as ensuring market functioning under the condition of full CO2 pricing and implementing stronger European climate and energy policies.

Analysis of economic structure: Reinventing or Scaling Down

The favourable welfare and prosperity position of the Netherlands is under pressure as our economy is confronted with multiple constraints simultaneously. Global trends such as ageing and climate change, as well as specific Dutch challenges like a shortage of physical space and nitrogen emissions, are examples of these constraints. If we wish to fulfil our ambitions in areas such as housing, healthcare, and defence, structural economic growth is essential. To achieve this, the Netherlands must focus on sectors that are highly productive, have a limited spatial and ecological footprint, and do not rely on low-paid labour. In other words, we need to accomplish more with fewer people and less strain on scarce productive resources.

We conducted an analysis of the economic structure of the Netherlands. It reveals which sectors are best positioned for this future growth agenda. The report 'Future-proofing the Dutch economy' also indicates which sectors should reinvent themselves or, if that is not feasible, will have to scale back their activities. We engaged with various stakeholders regarding this analysis, and the Minister of Economic Affairs shared his response to our findings with the parliament.

Semicon: a key engine of our economy and innovation

The semiconductor industry is a vital engine of our economy and innovation. Therefore, we regularly conduct research into this sector, examining current and future bottlenecks and potential solutions. We share our insights with stakeholders, aiming to collectively strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.

In 2024, we investigated the ecosystem of the semiconductor industry. In addition to the major international semiconductor players headquartered in the Netherlands, the sector is connected with around three hundred other companies and suppliers that contribute to the success of the largest five. Our research reveals that these companies are increasingly focusing on the semiconductor industry and, as a result, are paying less attention to other industries that require high-end technologies, such as the medical sector, defence, and aerospace. This shift is leading to a deterioration of the Dutch economy and making individual companies more vulnerable.

In 2025, we focused on research and development (R&D) expenditures. This reveals a growing R&D gap between the five largest semiconductor companies in our country and other companies within this ecosystem. This gap is problematic because a vibrant segment of medium-sized companies and start-ups and scale-ups is fundamentally important for the long-term success and sustainable innovative capacity of the entire ecosystem.

Benchmark universities and universities of applied sciences

PwC conducts an annual benchmark to provide insight into how Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences 'score' in international and national rankings in areas such as research and student satisfaction. The report further offers insights into personnel and financial key figures, revenue streams, housing financing, and current societal issues. It serves as a valuable tool for politicians and policymakers.

Bottlenecks in restructuring policy

Every year, we publish the ‘Bijzonder Beheer Barometer’: a survey in which we ask restructuring experts about the key trends and developments in the area of bankruptcies and special management cases. In the most recent version, we highlighted two bottlenecks in the restructuring policy that, if addressed, could help prevent avoidable bankruptcies arising from COVID-related debts.

Firstly, the requirement that every creditor must contribute proportionately to a restructuring is often impractical. Secondly, the policy mandates that any remaining tax debts must be repaid within twelve months following the restructuring, which imposes unrealistic payment obligations on companies. These bottlenecks have been discussed with politicians and policymakers.

Our Thinktank Energy transition

The energy transition and climate objectives are among the greatest challenges facing the Netherlands and the international community. The large-scale transition from our fossil fuel-based energy system to a CO2-free sustainable energy system is a complex undertaking that will require significant investments in the coming years. In addition to this substantial financial challenge, it also affects how businesses operate and how the government fulfills its role as legislator, policymaker, and regulator.

Through the Thinktank Energy transition, we aim to contribute to the climate objectives and the energy transition, utilising our expertise to come up with concrete solutions.