Election Debate: The Power of Knowledge

• Date: 21 October
• Time: 15:30 - 17:00
• Location: Nieuwspoort

Please note: the debate will be conducted in Dutch.

Choosing Progress

Knowledge, research, and innovation — crucial topics for the future of the Netherlands. Yet, they are often not at the forefront during election campaigns. For this reason, the Kenniscoalitie (Knowledge Coalition) is organizing the Election Debate on Research and Science.

During the debate, politicians will discuss the future of knowledge, research, and innovation in the Netherlands. The conversation will cover themes that affect not only higher education and science but also society and the economy as a whole. Topics include the structure and priorities of research funding, how the Netherlands can strengthen its innovative capacity to achieve sustainable economic growth, and how to retain and attract talent amid international competition and within the context of the European Multiannual Financial Framework. Finally, the debate will reflect on the intrinsic value of research itself — from fundamental and independent science to the protection of academic freedom.

Marcel Levi, chair of the Kenniscoalitie, will open the event with a thought-provoking introduction. Under expert moderation, politicians from various parties will then engage in discussion on Tuesday, 21 October in The Hague.

Programme
15:30 – 16:00: Arrival and registration
16:00 – 17:00: Debate programme
17:00: Networking reception

About the Kenniscoalitie
The Kenniscoalitie is a partnership comprising Universities of the Netherlands, the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, the MBO Council, the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centres, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), ZonMw, VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland, ROM-Nederland, and the TO2 Federation (institutes for applied research). The coalition strives to create optimal conditions for research and innovation to thrive and serves as a dialogue partner for the government.

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