Polymer Innovation Programme (PIP)

The polymer world in the Netherlands and Europe is facing a number of challenges. There is a growth in market demand in terms of both volume and performance. The range and quality of technological options driven by modern science and technology are rapidly increasing. And there is strong pressure from society for sustainability and new technological solutions.

The challenges are too broad and scientifically too complex to be addressed by single parties. In addition, change and growth are needed fast, given the fierce international competition and rapid global developments. Since the polymer industry and polymer science are still very strong in Europe, not least in the Netherlands, there is thus an opportunity now for providing such new growth to the existing polymer industry and for helping new polymer-based businesses get off the ground. This growth will be in jobs, in economic terms and in new benefits that polymers can provide. Seizing this opportunity will fortify the Netherlands' position as a knowledge-based economy.

To keep the playing field level, a long-term, public-private partnership was set up in polymer science and technology, with a focus on the new challenges. This partnership involves the leading polymer industries and public polymer-research centres in Europe and is publicly supported in the Netherlands and abroad, to have the right scientific, industrial and societal impact in this part of the world.

With the government's policy of backing the winners and its continued support to the Dutch Polymer Institute as the leading organization in Europe for pre-competitive polymer R&D, it will be possible for the polymer industry to continue and strengthen its future role as a significant contributor to the earning power of the Netherlands.

Download: Polymer Innovation Programme