The National Technology Strategy (NTS) prioritises Imaging Technologies as one of the key technologies for societal challenges in the field of health and safety and its sustainability. At the same time, this technology serves as a yardstick for the way in which talent is supported, developed and attracted in the Netherlands. Imaging Technologies addresses societal challenges relating to healthcare personnel, military security and a (climate-)safe country, and offers opportunities thanks to the unique cross-disciplinary skills in the Netherlands, the strong economic position built up through knowledge development and the reliable image that stems from the stable strength of our people. At the same time, disruptive entrepreneurs face obstacles in their growth path. Without swift action, the Netherlands risks losing ground internationally.
The global imaging markets are experiencing structural growth, driven by ageing populations, digitisation, security and climate issues, data-intensive processes and an increasing need for precision in healthcare, defence, the public domain and industry. In line with the Wennink report, the industry emphasises that imaging technology is difficult to imitate, which is why it offers a more robust competitive advantage and consolidation of our position is essential.
Economically, this ambition requires a robust and integrated MedTech and SafeTech ecosystem that translates innovation into sustainable growth and strategic security. Socially, this leads to a reduction in health inequalities, an acceleration of the response to disasters, crises and threats – from pandemics to water safety – and improvements in prevention, treatment and monitoring in both healthcare and our critical infrastructure.
Strengthening earning capacity depends not only on technological innovation and production, but also on the ability to attract and retain (international) talent. The Netherlands must remain a country where leading researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs can develop and collaborate on groundbreaking imaging solutions.
The implementation of this Action Agenda is therefore an initiative to promote an open innovative ecosystem, chain integration, growing earning capacity and the resolution of urgent social challenges. In this way, this national sensor technology scales up from research to interpreted images for people on the front lines of health, conflict and climate.