Constantijn van Oranje: ‘Let innovative startups in Europe find their own way’ - Main contents

Innovation: one of the priorities of the Netherlands EU Presidency. For Constantijn van Oranje, who works to encourage startups, innovation is at the core of enterprise. In this interview he talks about going global, the value of data and the importance of drinking coffee.

Prince Constantijn has an impressive track record when it comes to innovation in the Netherlands and Europe. He was involved in StartupDelta and the Digital Agenda, as well as being co-founder of Startup Fest Europe. This event at the end of May is one of a select few with permission to use the EU2016NL logo.

Spring board

‘Startup Fest Europe will feature more than 30 events spread over 16 locations, showcasing sectors in which the Netherlands excels: water, cleantech, agri-food, energy, medtech and e-health. We’ll also connect that to what’s happening in the rest of Europe. Startup Fest will offer startups from all over Europe a platform to present themselves to investors, major clients and potential partners that they would never come across otherwise. When you’re building a network, every new link might lead to something great. The Netherlands wants to become one of Europe’s top 3 startup ecosystems.’

Going global

Constantijn believes that more new Dutch businesses should be attempting to conquer the world. ‘Of course it’s fine if you don’t want to grow your business beyond your own corner café. But it’s great to set your sights on starting a chain and changing the way we drink coffee, like Starbucks did. Startups launch new ideas that can shake up established ways. Big businesses are usually less good at this, but they excel at efficiency, optimisation and raising productivity. It’s worthwhile bringing those worlds together.’

Data

‘Many startups have digital roots, which gives them a head start on established businesses. Innovation in almost every sector is unthinkable without IT. Agriculture relies on data about pesticides, yields and prices on the world market, and uses precision harvesting machines. Robots unload freight at ports. And in the future, legal cases will increasingly be processed on the basis of automated decision trees.’

Constantijn van Oranje is in his element describing how manufacturers of aeroplane engines or lighting are transforming into service providers: their products now come with monitoring features to make maintenance and energy consumption more efficient. Thanks to a startup from the Dutch region of Twente, supermarkets can determine exactly how much electricity each freezer is using and track down a leaking rubber seal.

Entrepreneurial drive

What sets the Netherlands apart when it comes to innovation? ‘We have good infrastructure and proven qualities, for example in water management and food production. And we’ve always been good at adopting ideas from outside. The Dutch are pragmatic, flexible and open to the rest of the world and to new technologies. Our government and business climate are stable. So the basic conditions are in place.

‘But our ability to develop new, globally significant companies is disappointing. We’ve got great technology and a mass of interesting small businesses, but only a few of them take things to the next level.’ Constantijn is certain about the main reason for this: ‘We sometimes lack a sense of urgency. We need to fuel our entrepreneurial drive, the desire to be the best. At the same time, startups often feel they’re left to fend for themselves. Their financing comes from venture capital funds in the US. People over there sometimes have a better idea of who’s doing well here than we do!’

Netherlands EU Presidency

‘The Netherlands EU Presidency allows us to broaden the debate, which is exactly what we’re doing. In this role the Netherlands wants to strengthen the potential of the EU’s internal market. In doing so it’s important to make sure all parties take ownership of the solution. The European Commission and many member states trust in the capabilities and professionalism of the Netherlands Presidency and are happy for us to achieve results.

‘There’s plenty of innovative talent among Europe’s 550 million inhabitants. We need to rely and build on those individuals. My time at European Commissioner Neelie Kroes’ cabinet taught me that it’s best to support innovation wherever it crops up and not to get in entrepreneurs’ way.’