Canada – Netherlands strengthens cooperation in science, technology and innovation

OTTAWA, Canada – Science, technology and innovation (STI) play a pivotal role in our daily lives and improve our understanding of the universe. Global Affairs Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Thursday, with the Netherlands aimed at advancing STI, which will help address current global challenges and drive economic growth in both countries.

“This MOU marks an exciting milestone in our relationship with the Netherlands. By working together more closely, we can leverage our respective strengths and expertise to tackle today’s global challenges and drive competitiveness to the advantage of both our nations,” said Mary Ng, minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development.

Building on a foundation of long-standing friendship and continued cooperation, this new MOU facilitates further collaboration between Canada and the Netherlands across a spectrum of STI initiatives in trade, investment and technology. Together, the two nations will reinforce existing partnerships and develop new ones to ensure better access to leading technologies and scientific advances.

Key areas outlined in the MOU include:

• Collaborating across borders to address global challenges, such as climate change, food security and energy security;
• Promoting international collaboration in research projects, multilateral initiatives and joint scientific endeavours;
• Encouraging businesses to participate in STI initiatives, invest in research and contribute to addressing priority global challenges;
• Facilitating increased access to scientific research, technologies, markets and talents.

This MOU promotes integrity and ethical research standards as well as diversity, inclusion and gender equality in research. It also supports efforts to integrate Canadian and Dutch stakeholders into global value-chain and research projects, strengthening broader Canada-European Union partnerships in STI.

Quick facts

• In May 2018, Canada and the Netherlands signed the Memorandum of understanding between the National Research Council of Canada and the Netherlands Organization for scientific research on research and innovation partnership. This MOU promoted bilateral and multilateral activities and established a framework for cooperation in research, development and innovation.
• In 2021, a strategic dialogue between Canada and the Netherlands solidified the partnership on STI with a focus on 3 priority areas: energy, food systems and agricultural technologies, including critical raw materials and key enabling technologies such as semiconductors, photonics and quantum. Talent and equity, diversity and inclusion were also crosscutting themes.
• The Netherlands is one of Canada’s most significant trade, investment and innovation partners. It was Canada’s top merchandise export destination in the European Union in 2023.

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