Yesterday, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs presented the new Productivity Agenda to Parliament. The policy document outlines how the Netherlands aims to boost labor productivity in the coming years, with a notable emphasis on robotics in construction and agriculture.
Construction: adoption of AI and robotics
The agenda stresses that innovation in the construction sector is vital to addressing challenges such as housing shortages and the energy transition:
“At the regional level, existing successful construction ecosystems will focus on the adoption of AI and robotics by SMEs. Both the innovations and the knowledge about them will be tailored to the local business context. Due to the central economic position of the construction sector, many other sectors will also benefit.”
Agriculture: robots into daily practice
A new large-scale program is also announced for agriculture:
“In 2026 an integral innovation program ‘Robots into farmers’ practice’ will be launched, aimed at saving labor, improving workforce deployment and making agriculture and horticulture more sustainable. The program’s goal is the further development and practical use of robots, fitting into everyday farm operations.”
The government has reserved €4 million for this initiative in 2026, increasing to €20 million per year by 2030.
Broader focus on labor-saving technology
Beyond these sectors, the agenda also highlights labor-saving digital solutions in healthcare and government. While robotics is not explicitly mentioned in these areas, automation and AI are seen as crucial to easing staff shortages and improving efficiency.
Strategic choice
By embedding robotics into its productivity strategy, the Dutch government signals that technology will play a decisive role in balancing economic growth with societal goals. The minister emphasized that the Netherlands must “do more with fewer people,” and robotics will be a key part of achieving that ambition.
