The Dutch Life Sciences & Health (LSH) sector is one of ten “top sectors” in the Netherlands and part of the Dutch cabinet’s Mission-driven Top Sectors and Innovation Policy. The top sectors are designated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and are selected on their ability to contribute substantially to global societal challenges.
Top Sector LSH profiles itself far and wide with the Health~Holland branding as one of the most knowledge -intensive sectors.
The Top Sector works together with public and private parties to support the societal theme Health & Care of the Dutch cabinet’s Mission-driven Top Sectors and Innovation Policy. The coalition does this on the basis of the central mission; in 2040, all citizens of The Netherlands will live in good health five years longer, and health inequality between the lowest and highest socio-economic groups will be reduced by 30%.
There are four underlying missions that contribute to this central mission. These four missions focus on decisive factors such as lifestyle, living environment and the quality and accessibility of care.
Mission I: Lifestyle and living environment
By 2040, the burden of disease resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle and living environment will have decreased by 30%.
Mission II: Care in the right place
By 2030, the extent of care will be organised and provided to people 50% more (or more often) than present in one's own living environment (instead of in healthcare institutions), together with the network around people.
Mission III: People with chronic diseases
By 2030, the proportion of people with a chronic disease or lifelong disability who can participate in society according to their wishes and capabilities will have increased by 25%.
Mission IV: People with dementia
By 2030, quality of life of people with dementia will have improved by 25%.
"We cannot keep healthcare the way it is now. We need to look for new forms."
This quote by Huge de Jonge, Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport at the time (2019), underlines the importance of innovation. The Dutch LSH sector has outlined this in a Knowledge and Innovation Agenda 2020-2023. You can download the full document below.